- - Ukrainian Beauty Queen Suffers Gnarly On-Stage Fall During Miss Earth 2025 Pageant

Luke ChinmanNovember 6, 2025 at 11:32 PM

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Mariia Zheliaskova -

Mariia Zheliaskova, a Ukrainian beauty queen, fell on stage during the Miss Earth 2025 Pageant

She placed as a runner-up in the competition, writing afterwards on Instagram that she was "beyond happy" with the results

Earlier this week, another pageant, Miss Universe, was embroiled in controversy after several contestants walked out in support of Miss Mexico after her heated, live-streamed confrontation with one of the event's executives

A Ukrainian beauty queen took a tumble on the pageant stage.

At Miss Earth 2025 — the 25th anniversary of the Philippines-based pageant — Ukrainian contestant Mariia Zheliaskova, 24, walked out onto the stage in a glittery lace dress, her smile gleaming. But when she reached the front of the stage, she suddenly fell to the floor, evidently tripping over her dress, captured in a livestream of the Nov. 5 pageant.

The mishap didn’t hurt her spirits: Zheliaskova quickly stood up, did a twirl, put on that same gleaming smile, and elegantly strode off the stage as the audience cheered.

The Ukrainian contestant placed as a runner-up, behind winner Natálie Puškinová of the Czech Republic.

In an Instagram post she shared after the pageant, Zheliaskova had only glowing things to say about the experience of competing and made no mention of her tumble.

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Mariia Zheliaskova

“History was made today. Ukraine entered the TOP 8 for the first time and won the title of Vice Miss Earth 2025,” wrote the beauty queen. “I am beyond happy! I represented my home country with pride and strength.”

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She continued: “Three unforgettable weeks in the Philippines has been a dream journey that started with winning the Miss Odesa contest, then the Miss Ukraine-Earth national crown, and now a third victory, so special and important. I am grateful for all that I have. I am grateful to God for the blessings that I am here right now - and I can proudly raise the flag of Ukraine in front of the world.”

The Miss Earth mishap follows another dramatic moment in the pageant world earlier this week: Multiple Miss Universe contestants appeared to walk out after a pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil had a heated exchange with Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch during a livestreamed confrontation over whether she was properly representing the interests of the pageant’s host country, Thailand.

After Bosch left the room, several other pageant hopefuls followed her lead while Itsaragrisil told the audience, "If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down.”

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Natalie Puskinova

Miss Universe later released a statement that it was committed to "upholding the highest standards of respect, safety, and integrity for all participants, staff, and stakeholders."

"A high-level delegation, led by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mario Búcaro, is traveling to Thailand to strengthen collaboration with the host country, [the Miss Grand International Organization (MGI)], and relevant authorities," the statement continued. "This mission aims to coordinate efforts, ensure a secure and professional environment for all delegates, and reaffirm MUO's commitment to transparency, respect, and unity."

Neither the Miss Universe Organization nor Bosch has responded to PEOPLE's request for comment.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”