A FRENCH dental student has been named Miss Universe — but what another contestant said about Donald Trump left spectators speechless.
Miss Universe France Iris Mittenaere, 24, beat crowd favourite Miss Haiti to win the coveted crown.
But there was an awkward moment when Miss Kenya was quizzed about US politics — namely, President Donald Trump — during the Miss Universe final.
Iris Mittenaere of France, right, is crowned the new Miss Universe by outgoing Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach in the Philippines. Picture: AP Photo/Bullit MarquezSource:AP
She was overcome with emotion. Picture: APSource:AP
Entrants from Colombia and Haiti rounded out the top three, with Miss Kenya, Mary Esther Were, kicked out of the contest after her remarks about Trump during the question and answer round.
Iris Mittenaere of France after being crowned the new Miss Universe. Picture: APSource:AP
Miss Kenya was asked about US politics and Were suggested Trump’s election win “may not have been the choice of many people living in the United States”.
She went on to say Hillary Clinton should have won, ending her response with a wish that Trump was “able to unify the entire nation” once he took office.
Miss Kenya’s confusing answer when quizzed on Donald Trump
Meantime, Australian beauty queen Caris Tiivel failed to make first elimination round which determined the top 13. The Perth model represented Australia in the field of 86 entrants.
Controversial comedian Steve Harvey hilariously addressed his epic error when he announced the wrong winner at the previous Miss Universe.
“Right, let’s get it out the way. I know what you’re thinking. ‘Is that the guy from last year? Did they bring back that guy from last year?’
“Well, they did, it’s me, I’m back.”
Australian entrant Caris Tiivel failed to make the cut at Miss Universe. Picture: Miss UniverseSource:Supplied
Harvey botched the winner’s announcement at the last pageant, held in December 2015, when he wrongly named Miss Colombia as the winner … then made her give the crown to the actual victor, Miss Philippines, on live TV.
In an interview with reigning Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach onstage at the pageant today, Harvey joked: “I want to thank you for making me the most famous host of Miss Universe”.
‘Enough with the eye jokes!’: Miss Haiti’s subtle dig at Steve Harvey
This year’s Miss Colombia, Andrea Tovar, joked with Harvey about how he managed to offend her entire country during last year’s show.
“A lot of people hate you, but you know I love you. That’s the most important,” Tovar said.
Harvey replied: “Was that a death threat? I’m a little shookup right now.”
Controversial comedian Steve Harvey at the Miss Universe pageant in the Philippines today. Picture: SuppliedSource:Supplied
The pageant, formerly owned by US President Donald Trump and now backed by Hollywood mega-agencies WME/IMG, is being held in The Philippines.
The Miss Universe crown itself is said to be worth more than US$300,000.
The telecast has so-far showcased hair extensions, fake tans, fake smiles, bleached white teeth, and more lip injections that you can imagine
Glam mode. Carolina Duran (Miss Costa Rica), Caris Tiivel (Miss Australia), Siera Bearchell (Miss Canada) and Charlene Leslie (Miss Aruba) pose on the red carpet before The 65th Miss Universe pageant. Picture: SuppliedSource:Supplied
Plus-size supermodel Ashley Graham is serving as the backstage correspondent, while Flo Rida opened the show with a medley of his hits.
Former Miss Universe owner President Donald Trump, left, pictured with pageant host Steve Harvey at Trump Tower. Picture: BloombergSource:Supplied
There was a lot at stake for Tiivel, who was competing to become the first Australian winner since Jennifer Hawkins took out the tiara in 2004.
JHawk used the platform to leverage a highly successful modelling and media career, as the long-time face of department store Myer and host of Australia’s Next Top Model, among her lucrative portfolio.
