Miss Universe pageant will have no maximum age limit for participants for the first time in its history
During Tanner Fletcher's "Beauty Pageant" show during New York Fashion Week this spring, Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Gabriel highlighted significant changes in Miss Universe Organisation
The famed beauty pageant, which has been running since 1952, has removed the upper age limit for contestants, which had previously been set at 28.
As the oldest Miss Universe ever crowned, R'Bonney Gabriel herself has shattered the previous record.
This rule change represents a commitment to diversity and sets a new benchmark for pageants around the world in 2024
However, in order to compete, contestants must be at least 18 years old
"Age is not a barrier to a woman's ability to compete and achieve greatness," the Miss Universe winner said
Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, a transgender entrepreneur who bought the Miss Universe Organisation for $20 million last year, is credited with the organisation's rapid growth
For the 2023 season, her transformative leadership led to the removal of restrictions on married, divorced and pregnant contestants, further cementing the commitment to embracing diversity