Miss Dominican Republic addresses Miss Universe criticism over her attitude

The much-anticipated Miss Universe 2024 ceremony took place about two weeks ago, with Danish contestant Victoria Kjær Theilvig taking home the crown. In the days leading up to the thrilling finale, contestants participated in various events and activities, offering them a chance to bond and interact.

During this time, videos of the contestants circulated on social media, bringing extra attention to Celinee Santos, Miss Dominican Republic. While many praised her poise and beauty, her attitude became a topic of debate online, with some critics finding it controversial. Now, Celinee has broken her silence on the matter.

© Hector Vivas

Celinee addressed the controversy during an interview on Telemundo’s Hoy Día, where host and former Miss Universe Andrea Meza questioned her. Reflecting on her performance, she explained, “The work was done. I feel pleased with what I was able to accomplish.”

She admitted there were aspects she would reconsider, such as “managing my nerves and emotions while on that stage.” Even so, Celinee expressed pride in fulfilling a dream she had nurtured since the age of 13, adding, “Thanks to God, I was able to fulfill that dream.”

Celinee also spoke candidly about how the social media backlash had affected her. She suggested that some of the circulating videos may have been taken out of context, emphasizing the pressure candidates face online. “I would tell people not to take everything on social media so seriously. Don’t let the comments get to you because they affect us as candidates, as young women,” she shared.

© IG: @celineesantosfriass

The impact of the criticism went beyond words on a screen. “Also, psychologically, it was very sad for me,” Celinee admitted. She reflected on how manipulated content can distort the truth, saying, “Every time I went on social media and saw a comment or a video that might have been manipulated, it hurt. At the end of the day, it’s not about what happens—it’s about the context in which it happens and the message it conveys.”

A key moment that drew criticism was when Celinee broke protocol by announcing her own name instead of just her country. While some saw this as defiance, others believed it was a sign of nerves in the high-pressure environment. Additional clips circulated online, suggesting she sought the spotlight at times, even at the expense of her fellow contestants. These moments sparked accusations of arrogance, though they may have been misunderstandings given the intense competition setting.

Despite the backlash, Celinee expressed gratitude for the experience and the support she received. "I want to thank the Mexican people who made me feel at home. I carry Mexico in my heart and in my soul, as the song says. I felt very comfortable being there," she shared.

The lesson Miss Universe taught her

Although many expected Celinee to reach the top five—or even win—she fell short. Reflecting on the results, she said, “To be honest, I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: the work was done. During the preliminaries, you told me I was one of your favorites, and it was an honor to hear those words.”

Celinee believes the experience taught her valuable lessons. “I believe in God’s will. I believe everything happens for a reason, and I think God is teaching me a lesson—one I will apply to my life: learning to control my emotions more. And that’s it. You just have to keep going,” she added.

© Instagram @celineesantosfriass

The model also shared her excitement about potentially joining Telemundo. “Being part of this family would be a pleasure for me,” she said while discussing her future.