Australia’s Moraya Wilson has come third in the Miss Universe 2023 beauty pageant.
This year’s event was held in the Central American country of El Salvador.
Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua won Miss Universe 2023 with Anntonia Porsild of Thailand coming in second place.
There were 84 contestants in the running who were narrowed down to a top 20 after the first hour of the Miss Universe 2023 event.
Ms Wilson stepped onto the stage wearing a native wildflower-inspired gown by Perth designer Emma Daley.
The number was further brought down to 10 after the swimsuit round and then made tough in the questions round.
Earlier, a Change.org petition called for Australia’s Miss Universe Ms Wilson to step down following reports her family owes up to $45 million to creditors.
According to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), companies run by her parents, Anton and Melinda Wilson, owe more than $45 million to creditors following multiple company liquidations, including approximately $21 million to the tax office.
In a statement to news.com.au, Ms Wilson said she was not actively involved in any of the 10 companies despite being listed as the director.
Ms Wilson added that he had “tendered my resignation from all of the companies”.
Despite reaching the semi-finals, Indian beauty Shweta Sharda did not qualify for the top 10 stage in the 72nd edition of Miss Universe.
The top 10 finalists for Miss Universe 2023 were Miss Puerto Rico, Thailand, Peru, Colombia, Nicaragua, Philippines, El Salvador, Venezuela, Australia and Spain.
Ninety countries entered the 72nd Miss Universe pageant to compete for the prestigious title.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.