Miss World 2026 Controversy: Miss Paraguay Ayelén Pérez’s 'Thumbs Down' Gesture Goes Viral Amid Joheirry Mola Dominguez Win

The drama surrounding the Miss World 2026 ceremony in Vietnam continues to captivate global attention. A video from the event, filmed on September 5, has gained widespread traction online, featuring Miss World Paraguay 2026, Ayelén Pérez, making a thumbs-down gesture. The moment was quickly met with speculation across the internet, with some viewers believing the gesture was directed at the eventual winner, Joheirry Mola Dominguez from the Dominican Republic.

The viral video shows Pérez making the thumbs-down sign during the Miss World 2026 ceremony. As the Dominican Republic's Joheirry Mola Dominguez emerged as the crowned Miss World 2026, social media users began to link the gesture to the result. They questioned whether Pérez was unhappy with the outcome. However, Pérez herself clarified the intent behind her action.

She stated that the gesture was made before the winner was announced and was directed at the Miss World Organization, rather than any of the contestants. In response to the online discussion, Pérez commented on her post, stating, "They are wrong, I did that because of the injustice of the organisation. It was before the coronation." The Miss World Organization has not yet issued a formal response to her allegation.