Miss Universe Australia Makes a Statement On and Off the Stage
Lexie Brant, the 21-year-old representing Australia at the 2025 Miss Universe pageant in Thailand, captivated audiences during Wednesday's preliminary competition with a show-stopping national costume. The occupational therapy student from Brisbane wore a breathtaking, ochre-coloured gown that was a direct homage to Uluru, Australia's iconic red centre.
The sleeveless dress was a work of art, described by the Miss Universe Australia Instagram as a 'living sculpture.' It featured a dramatic, rising flourish from the collar and a skirt that elegantly mimicked the cracked terrain of the Australian outback. Lexie completed the look with beige peep-toe heels, an updo for her brunette hair, and subtle earrings, creating a powerful tribute to the land and spirit of her home country.
A Display of Unity and Defiance
However, Brant's impact in Bangkok extended far beyond her sartorial choices. In a remarkable act of female solidarity, she was among the first contestants to stand and join a mass walkout during a pageant event. The protest was triggered when Nawat Itsaragrisil, the Vice President for Asia and Oceania within the Miss Universe Organisation, publicly berated Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch.
Shocking footage from the incident shows Itsaragrisil confronting the 25-year-old Mexican delegate about missing a sponsor shoot, demanding she 'explain herself' in front of her peers. When Bosch asserted her right to use her voice, the VP instructed security to escort her from the hotel. In response, dozens of queens, including Lexie, rose with resolute faces and exited the venue in a powerful, silent rebuke.
Victoria Theilvig, the reigning Miss Universe from Denmark, also stormed out, later justifying her actions by stating, 'This is about women's rights.' She added, 'To trash another girl - it's beyond disrespectful... That's why I'm taking my coat and I'm going.'
Swimwear and Scrutiny
Earlier in the evening, Lexie had also showcased her confident and svelte physique during the swimwear segment. She stepped onto the stage in a vibrant, bright yellow two-piece bikini. The high-waist bottoms highlighted her lithe legs, while the matching halter top showed off her toned arms. For this look, she wore her hair down and accessorised with a pair of chunky silver earrings.
The unprecedented walkout has since gone viral, with fans and former contestants hailing it as an act of integrity and courage. Many online have called it 'the most empowering act in Miss Universe history.' The incident has reignited existing concerns about transparency and contestant treatment within the Miss Universe Organisation, which is now owned by Thailand-based JKN Global Group, with critics pointing to a toxic culture of public shaming.
Lexie Brant, who won her national title in Perth in August, has therefore made her mark on the 2025 competition not only through her beauty and poise but through her unwavering principles and support for her fellow women.
