Miss Universe

Oprah Congratulates Miss Universe 2019—and Celebrates Her Message for Young Women

As her new fans took to social media to congratulate the winner and share videos, it was clear that Tunzi's answer to the final question in the competition is what struck a particular chord around the world—including with our very own Oprah.

In response to host Steve Harvey asking: "What is the most important thing we should be teaching young girls today?" Tunzi responded: "Leadership." She then received deafening applause from the live audience as she specifically called out how society has historically labeled young girls and women.

Alicia Machado: Ex-Miss Universe claims Trump called her 'Miss Piggy'

Now, 20 years later, she is back in the headlines.

Ms Machado claims she was called "Miss Piggy" by Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for the White House who owned the beauty pageant when she won it.

The remarks were made, the Venezuela-born model says, after she put on some weight following her win.

 

How did it come up?

The issue was brought up by Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee, during Monday's televised debate with Mr Trump. She was making a point about her rival's remarks about women.

Presidential debate: Trump says he might 'hit Hillary harder'

Mr Trump said he held back "because he didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings".

In a Fox News interview, he also accused moderator Lester Holt of being tougher on him than on Mrs Clinton.

Overnight polls with small samples were split on who won, but more rigorous surveys are due in the coming days.

Initial estimates from research firm Nielsen suggest more than 80 million Americans watched the debate at home, but that figure will rise significantly when other forms of viewing are counted.