Alina Akselrad, former Miss Universe Argentina 2020 and current member of the international pageant's organizing committee, spoke in an extensive interview about the Miss Universe final, Argentina's performance, and the scandal that erupted after the crowning, when a jury member claimed they were not allowed to vote.
During her conversation on the “Ensobrados” show on Radio Splendid, she explained from Thailand that official pageant activities were still underway, making strong statements, sharing behind-the-scenes details, and firmly defending the role of women in the competition.
When heard live by the Argentine News Agency, Alina opened the communication by pinpointing her exact location:
“I'm very well, to be honest a bit tired because for you the final was yesterday, but for me it was this morning at 8 AM, and here it is 11 PM at night.”
She highlighted the quality of the Argentine candidate but admitted a touch of sadness: “Perhaps a bit of sadness from not seeing Argentina qualify, having a very good candidate.”
However, what most marked her perspective was the pageant's focus on the role of women: “Today a Miss Universe is no longer just the stereotype of a pretty face, but a woman who can defend herself, who raises her voice and sets a limit even in situations of abuse of power.”
She detailed the scoring system: “It is 30 days of competition. 50% of the score is derived from the interview with the jury. The eight jurors were there voting in real time.”
She closed with a message for those who criticize the pageants: “The beautiful thing is to celebrate the role of the woman, whoever the winner may be. Many times these contests are heavily criticized in our country, and it's good to be informed before giving an opinion.”
One of the most intense moments of the interview was when she was asked about the complaint from a jury member, Omar Jarfuch, who claimed they were not allowed to vote. Alina's response was firm:
“No, that is totally incorrect. It is part of the entertainment and the show.”
The controversial situation involving Miss Mexico, who stood up to the event host over mistreatment, sparked a debate worldwide: “I think it gave her visibility, made the world see her. You have to show why you are the right one to work with the organization for a year.”
The winner's work was also explained: “The last queen visited 32 countries. And we are still here on the day of the final.”
She immediately explained the context of the event: “It was a very, very nice event, 120 candidates with a lot of expectation, a lot of emotion, a lot of adrenaline.”
When asked why Jarfuch would have made such a claim, she responded: “He must have his reasons, which I am unaware of. She is not just Miss Mexico, she is Fatima Bosch.
