13-9-2023 (MANILA) The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has made a groundbreaking announcement by eliminating all age limit restrictions across all Miss Universe and associated pageants.
This significant change will take effect for all pageants held in 2024, opening the door for every adult woman on the planet to compete for the coveted title of Miss Universe. The reigning Miss Universe, R’bonney Gabriel, who at 29 is the oldest Miss Universe still holding her title, shared this exciting update during the Tanner Fletcher New York Fashion Week show.
The issue of age restrictions was initially raised by R’bonney during the final Q-and-A segment of the 2023 Louisiana pageant. She was asked, “If you were going to make any changes to the organization’s rules, what would they be?” Her response was a passionate call to raise the age limit.
R’bonney reflected, “When I competed, the age limit was 28, and I was 28 at the time. So my answer was that I think we should change this. A woman’s ability to compete at Miss Universe, or in any aspect of life, shouldn’t be defined by her age. Age should just be a number.”
This transformative rule revision offers opportunities to aspirants who were previously disqualified due to age restrictions. While the Miss Supranational pageant has extended its age limit to 32, the elimination of age ceilings by Miss Universe marks a historic leap forward in embracing diversity and inclusivity.
