The Miss Europe 2024 competition drew sharp attention after allegations surfaced from Milena Melnichuk, a Ukrainian contestant who claimed that a Russian participant, Roza Gadieva, influenced the contest outcome through financial means. Reports initially surfaced through kp.ru, bringing to light a dispute that echoed beyond the individual standings and touched on broader questions about fairness in pageantry.
In the final results, Roza Gadieva was declared the winner. Belarusian contestant Irina Maksimovich secured third place, while Milena Melnichuk did not receive a placement. The Ukrainian contestant voiced strong suspicions about how the event was adjudicated, asserting that some participants used money to secure higher positions in the ranking. According to her account, the sense of unfairness grew as she perceived the competition to have been influenced by transactions rather than merit. She stated that the perception of rigged outcomes provoked anger and a desire to address what she believed was an improper advantage gained by others.
Milena Melnichuk described the atmosphere around the competition as tense, noting ongoing attempts by rival participants to position themselves for photographs in close proximity. She explained that she tried to maintain privacy and avoid being drawn into the dynamics she viewed as disruptive. Her comments highlighted how personal interactions on stage and in the backstage area can color public perception of the event’s integrity, even when official results are already announced.
On the other side, Roza Gadieva addressed the aftermath of the controversy, offering a measured reflection on the reception she received. She acknowledged that some observers questioned her national affiliation and, more broadly, the symbolism attached to representing Russia in an international pageant. Gadieva emphasized that she did not engage in any direct conflict during the event and preferred to let the jury evaluate contestants based on behavior and presentation. She suggested that the jury’s close attention to conduct—both on and off stage—likely played a role in shaping the final judgment, though she did not interpret the proceedings as provocation. The remark pointed to a belief that the competition’s outcome was a product of the jury’s careful observation rather than raw rivalry alone.
During conversations in the lead-up to the competition, Gadieva hinted at a dramatic, symbolic gesture he considered for the moment he would face the jury. Reports described elements of a planned appearance wearing a historical national costume valued at more than 1 million rubles, illustrating the theatrical dimension often present in beauty pageants. Later, Gadieva indicated that she had studied the field of competitors and believed that each participant could rightfully claim victory, underscoring a sense of respect for the diverse talents represented in the lineup.
Beyond the pageant drama, the public sphere continued to witness fashion moments that drew attention in their own right. A well-known public figure, Emily Ratajkowski, appeared in a striking ensemble that drew critiques and compliments alike, reminding audiences that fashion discourse often travels beyond the confines of competition results. This ongoing media interest helped to blur the lines between a specific event and the broader culture surrounding celebrity, style, and performance on the world stage.
From a broader perspective, the Miss Europe contest represents a convergence of performance, national identity, and media storytelling. The tension between perceived fairness and the celebratory nature of pageantry invites viewers to reflect on what constitutes merit in a highly scrutinized setting. While the controversy surrounding the 2024 results persists in discussions across social platforms and news outlets, the participants continue to be evaluated not only for their look and poise but for how they navigate public perception, media narratives, and the expectations that accompany international competition.