Philippines wins fourth Miss Universe crown

SUMMARY

Catriona Gray from the Philippines was crowned Miss Universe on Monday, the fourth time the Southeast Asian country has won the international beauty pageant. Gray, a 24-year-old Filipino-Australian model, won the title in the Thai capital Bangkok where the pageant included for the first time a transgender contestant. "My heart is filled with so much gratitude. There were moments of doubt where I felt overwhelmed and I felt the pressure," said Gray, who wore a red and orange dress that was inspired by Mount Mayon, a volcano that erupted this year. Gray was asked during the contest about her views on legalising marijuana and replied that she supported it for medical uses. After she was crowned, Gray told reporters the question was "definitely relevant" and "an active topic", in an apparent reference to the war on drugs in the Philippines that has killed thousands of Filipinos and caused international alarm.

By ReutersDec 17, 2018 6:04:39 PM IST (Published)

Miss Philippines Catriona Gray reacts during the final round of the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo Credit-Reuters

Miss Philippines Catriona Gray reacts as she is named the winner while holding hands with Miss South Africa Tamaryn Green during the final round of the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo Credit-Reuters

Miss Philippines Catriona Gray reacts after being crowned Miss Universe during the final round of the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo Credit-Reuters

Miss Venezuela Sthefany Gutiérrez reacts to being selected as one of the top five contestants during the final round of the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo Credit-Reuters

The top five contestants are pictured during the final round of the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo Credit-Reuters

Miss South Africa Tamaryn Green reacts to being selected as one of the top five contestants during the final round of the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo Credit-Reuters

Miss Philippines Catriona Gray reacts after she is named the winner as she hold hands with first runner-up Miss South Africa Tamaryn Green during the final round of the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok. Photo Credit-Reuters

Miss Philippines Catriona Gray reacts after being crowned Miss Universe during the final round of the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo Credit-Reuters

Miss Philippines Catriona Gray competes during the final round of the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo Credit-Reuters

Miss Philippines Catriona Gray competes during the final round of the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo Credit-Reuters

Miss Philippines Catriona Gray competes during the final round of the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo Credit-Reuters

Miss India Nehal Chudasama in her swimsuit during the Miss Universe 2018 preliminary round in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo Credit-Reuters