Miss USA R'Bonney Gabriel wins Miss Universe 2023 competition

Miss U.S. R'Bonney Gabriel celebrates after being crowned Miss Universe during the 71st Miss Universe pageant in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. January 14, 2023. – Photo: Reuters

R’Bonney Gabriel, a fashion designer, model and sewing instructor from Texas who competition officials said is the first Filipino American to win Miss USA, was crowned Miss Universe on Saturday night.

Gabriel closed her eyes and clasped hands with runner-up Miss Venezuela, Amanda Dudamel, at the moment of the dramatic reveal of the winner, then beamed after her name was announced.