South African Contestant Crowned Miss Universe

Source: Getty Images

Twenty-two-year-old South African Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters took home the coveted 2017 Miss Universe crown in Las Vegas over the weekend.

Welcome to the sisterhood! #MissUniverse 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/ed6uJnwCdd

— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) November 27, 2017

Demi-Leigh, who beat out ninety-two women from around the globe, revealed during the pageant how she was car-jacked and survived by fighting back against her attacker. Needless to say, from that experience she plans to champion self-defense causes during her year-long reign as Miss Universe.

It's all about you, South Africa! #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/qKzOKtwjUS

— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) November 27, 2017

Demi-Leigh also plans to focus on the fight against HIV/AIDS, saying, “HIV/AIDS is a very big problem in my country South Africa, so I hope to stand as an advocate for that.”

Let’s welcome #MissUniverse 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters from South Africa to the sisterhood! 👑 pic.twitter.com/Sw0SDQZjOJ

— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) November 27, 2017

As part of her Miss Universe title, Demi-Leigh will earn a full working wardrobe, luxury apartment in New York City and a year’s salary.

First runner-up in the contest went to Miss Colombia Laura Gonzalez. Miss Jamaica Davina Bennett received second runner-up.