Miss Universe

France withdraws from Miss Universe, and the organization responds


The road to the Miss Universe 2026 crown has been overshadowed by controversy stemming from last year's competition


The newly crowned Miss Universe 2024, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig (C) from Denmark, reacts as she celebrates amid the other participants after winning the 73rd edition of the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City© CARL DE SOUZA
MAY 29, 2026 4:24 AM EDT

"Miss France Company announces its decision not to participate in the Miss Universe 2026 competition," reads a statement shared by Miss Universe France on its Instagram Stories. In the statement, the organization says the decision reflects "the desire to remain faithful to the identity, commitments, and values of the Miss France competition, which at this time no longer align with the recent evolution and direction of the international pageant, particularly following the numerous issues that arose during the 2025 edition."

The organization added that the decision applies to the upcoming competition, just as countries are beginning the process of selecting their official representatives. The statement continues: "Miss France Company will continue to monitor future developments surrounding the competition and hopes to return in the near future."

The organization has made a final decision© Mohan Raj
The organization has made a final decision

The release also includes comments from Frédéric Gilbert, President of the Miss France organization, who said, "It has always been a milestone and a wonderful opportunity to showcase France on the international stage. However, our responsibility is to ensure that we remain true to our values and to the identity of the Miss France competition. The decision made today reflects that commitment. We will continue to closely follow future developments."

Miss Universe delegates celebrating and congratulating 74th Miss Universe Fatima Bosch after crowned by Reigning Miss Universe Victoria during final competition at Impact Challenger Hall on November 21, 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand© Mohan Raj
Miss Universe delegates celebrating and congratulating 74th Miss Universe Fatima Bosch after crowned by Reigning Miss Universe Victoria during final competition at Impact Challenger Hall on November 21, 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand

Miss Universe Organization Responds

Although the organization responsible for sending France's representatives to the competition in previous years has chosen not to continue in 2026, the Miss Universe Organization issued a statement confirming that France will still take part in next year's pageant:

"The Miss Universe Organization announces a new chapter for Miss Universe France beginning with the 2026 cycle. 🇫🇷✨"

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The statement continued: "As part of its ongoing global evolution, the Organization will directly oversee and promote the platform in France, reinforcing its commitment to excellence, professionalism, and the international vision that defines the Miss Universe brand worldwide."

Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch celebrates winning the 2025 Miss Universe pageant in Nonthaburi, north of Bangkok, on November 21, 2025© LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA
Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch celebrates winning the 2025 Miss Universe pageant in Nonthaburi, north of Bangkok, on November 21, 2025

The announcement concluded: "This new direction marks an exciting step toward strengthening the visibility, development, and global alignment of Miss Universe France as it continues to empower the next generation of women on the international stage."

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