With just days to go until the 75th edition of Miss Universe, more and more details about the pageant are being revealed. The contestants are already gathered in Puerto Rico, getting ready for the big event, which will take place on November 24 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. ¡HOLA! is joining in the celebration with exclusive, can’t-miss coverage.
Amid all the excitement for this special “Diamond” edition, a few situations have arisen that have left some countries without representation in the competition.
© Getty ImagesContestants who have withdrawn from the pageant
Bulgaria
Ana-Maria Babau, Miss Universe Bulgaria, has had to withdraw from the competition after a serious car accident. The unfortunate news was shared in an official statement from her national organization.
“Our hearts are with our beautiful Miss Universe Bulgaria, Ana-Maria! With deep sadness and heavy hearts, we share with you an extremely painful update. After months of dedicated and inspiring preparation for the Miss Universe 2026 world stage in Puerto Rico, destiny has put us to an unexpected test,” the message reads.
The statement explains that Ana-Maria was involved in a car accident and that her injuries are apparently serious enough to keep her from traveling and taking part in the pageant.
“Due to a car accident, our radiant Miss Universe Bulgaria, Ana-Maria, is currently not in the physical condition required to participate in the upcoming final.” The organization concludes by stressing that, for them, the most important thing is to “surround Ana-Maria with care, love, and peace so she can fully recover.”
Austria
Victoria Amerson, Miss Universe Austria, shared a message on her social media accounts announcing her decision to withdraw from the competition. On November 7, the young beauty, who describes herself as a designer and model, posted a statement explaining that she needed to put her health first.
“With a heavy heart, I am OFFICIALLY withdrawing from Miss Universe. There were multiple factors that led me to this decision; above all, I need to stay true to myself and my values, and protect my mental and physical health.”
“Throughout this journey, I have discovered new paths and learned so much about myself: what I’m willing to tolerate and what I’m not,” the Austrian contestant shared, without revealing the specific situation that prompted her departure from the pageant.
“The road ahead of me is beautiful, solid, and full of pure light, with far less darkness. Even if I don’t have the sash or the crown, I still have my own inner strength and everything I built on my own before winning the title—and that is what makes me a queen.”
Nepal
Prayashna Gurung, Miss Universe Nepal, posted a video with a heartfelt message revealing that, despite all efforts, she would not be able to travel to Puerto Rico due to visa issues.
“With a heavy heart, I share with you that I will not be representing Nepal at Miss Universe 2026. We did everything we possibly could until the very last moment, holding on to hope until there was no time left. And believe me, this is not how I imagined sharing this news with you.”
In addition to thanking the Miss Universe Organization for its constant support, the model revealed that she will get another chance to shine in 2027. “But this is not goodbye. I am honored to share that I will represent Nepal at Miss Universe 2027.”
Six Asian countries out of the competition
Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, and Singapore will not have representatives in the 75th edition of Miss Universe, held in Puerto Rico. Their absence comes amid a dispute over national franchise rights between JKN Universe and Miss Universe Eastern, a company linked to Nawat Itsaragrisil.
