Who is new Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark?

Denmark's Victoria Kjær Theilvig was crowned the Miss Universe's winner for 2024 - becoming the first Dane to ever win the competition earlier this month. 

But now, the 21-year-old, who was praised by some fans as the 'anti-woke winner' following her victory in Mexico City, has been criticised for appearing to lip-sync the N-word at the top of the Empire State Building.

In a TikTok video posted from the New York City skyscraper, the Denmark pageant star sang along to Jay-Z's 'Empire State of Mind,' which includes the racial slur.

Some on social media quickly condemned Victoria's miming of the N-word, calling for her to apologise.

The Miss Universe organisation and Victoria herself have yet to publicly address the controversy. MailOnline has contacted both for comment. 

Victoria beat more than 120 other contestants to win the 73rd Miss Universe title on November 16. She broke down in tears as her name was announced by American host Mario Lopez and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo. 

A competitive dancer and aspiring lawyer, Victoria was asked how she would live differently if nobody would judge her, to which she said she wouldn't change anything, saying: 'I live by each day.' 

When questioned by the judging panel on what she would say to those watching, the Danish dancer urged viewers to 'keep fighting… no matter where you come from.'

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'I stand here today because I want a change, I want to make history, and that's what I'm doing tonight,' she said.

In her video for Miss Universe, Victoria revealed how she came from a 'very dysfunctional family', according to Business Insider. 

She said: 'I have worked so much on myself. I'm standing here today as the strongest version I have ever been.'

She explained how she wanted to use her platform to show that 'there is always a new day tomorrow'.

'You don't let your past define the person you are and the person you want to be,' she insisted in the footage. 

'No matter where you came from, no matter your background story, you can always choose to turn it into something positive. So just keep dreaming, and dream big.'

Elsewhere, the Danish winner is an animal rights advocate, volunteering at her local animal shelter and caring for rescued rabbits.

Explaining why the issue is so important to her, she said: 'Every day, countless animals suffer in silence. They don't have a voice to speak up for their own rights, and they cannot advocate for their own well-being.

'By advocating for animal protection, we not only highlight the importance of kindness, but we also showcase the beauty of our shared humanity.'

The pageant queen grew up in Copenhagen, and has worked as a professional dancer and dance teacher. She has a bachelor's degree in business and marketing and currently works in the diamond-selling business. 

She reportedly started her own eyelash-extension company when she was aged just 16 and began competing in pageants at five years old. She joined the Miss Denmark competition when she turned 17.

Victoria was the second-runner up at Miss Denmark 2021. She joined the Miss Grand International franchise the following year and represented Denmark at Miss Grand International 2022, where she placed in the Top 20.

The 21-year-old was appointed Miss Universe Denmark in September this year after Emma Heyst, who had been crowned Miss Denmark 2024, declined to compete in the international pageant.

Victoria was chosen by the Miss Denmark Organization to take Emma's place at the competition and subsequently became the first-ever Danish Miss Universe.

The aspiring lawyer will now spend the next year attending social gatherings, campaigning for different causes and speaking at high-profile forums and events.

She will earn an estimated $250,000 annual salary working full-time as Miss Universe and will live in a luxurious New York City apartment as she carries out her duties, Marca reported. 

In addition to the financial benefits, she will have the opportunity to wear a $5.5million diamond encrusted crown and have access to a slew of hair and beauty products, fashion lines and stylists, as well as photography and modelling sessions.

Her selection as the winner this year was seen as a victory for the 'anti-woke' after the 2023 competition featured married, plus-sized, and transgender contestants.