South African self defense trainer crowned Miss Universe 2017

Meet the fierce South African self-defense trainer who took the world by storm, clinching the Miss Universe 2017 crown. Empowerment redefined!

In a glittering ceremony, Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters was awarded the 2017 Miss Universe crown.

The 22 year old has recently earned a business management degree, and teaches self-defense courses for women.

Miss South Africa, who was also held at gunpoint a month after being named the nation's beauty queen, competed in the event held at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.

Crowned by her predecessor, Miss France Iris Mittenaere, Demi-Leigh won a year long's salary, an apartment in New York and many more prizes.

 

Steve Harvey returned as the host of the show despite making an announcement blunder in the 2015 Miss Universe pageant, announcing Miss Columbia as the winner when in fact the winner was Miss Philippines.

This year's pageant had the most number of participants ever, ninety-two, and Miss South Africa went on to answer 'equal work and equal pay' as one of the major issues being faced by women in workplaces.

The runner-up for Miss Universe 2017 was Miss Colombia Laura Gonzalez, while the second runner-up was Miss Jamaica Davina Bennett.