The Miss Universe Iceland organization recently confirmed that Helena O’Connor can no longer participate due to health and personal reasons.
The statement said: “Miss Universe Iceland 2025 Helena O’Connor has been unwell for the past few days. Although she is recovering, she was forced to make the difficult decision to withdraw from the Miss Universe competition in Thailand.”
Helena O’Connor is the fifth beauty to withdraw from the Miss Universe 2025 competition (Photo: Instagram).
The organization thanked the Miss Universe 2025 Organizing Committee for their understanding and expressed gratitude to fans for their continuous support of Helena.
Helena O’Connor, 21, arrived in Thailand at the beginning of November but had to be hospitalized urgently due to poor health. On her personal page, the beauty shared: “I haven’t been well and had to be admitted to the hospital by ambulance. I am incredibly grateful for the kindness and support I have received from everyone in Thailand.”
Helena O’Connor’s withdrawal is regrettable as she was considered one of Europe’s most promising contestants.
The beauty possesses a balanced physique, a delicate face, and extensive experience in beauty pageants. Previously, she made it into the Top 25 of Miss Supranational 2024.
Helena is the fifth contestant to decide to leave the Miss Universe 2025 competition, following representatives from Nigeria, Cameroon, Germany, and Persia, all for personal reasons. Thus, the competition now has 123 contestants competing.
The Miss Universe 2025 competition is currently taking place in Thailand (Photo: MU).
Miss Universe 2025 is taking place in Thailand from November 2nd to November 21st. This year’s competition attracts numerous contestants from around the world but has also faced organizational controversies, particularly conflicts between Mr. Nawat (the host unit in Thailand) and the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), sparking public discussion.
Despite the controversies, the contestants are actively participating in side activities. Currently, the beauties are traveling to Phuket (Thailand) for upcoming events. On the evening of November 8th, the contestants showcased evening gowns during their introduction to the audience and guests.
The organizers have also launched the People’s Choice vote, where the winner will secure a direct spot in the Top 30 finalists. Vietnam’s representative, Huong Giang, is currently among the top 3 in the voting.
Huong Giang performed in a fashion show at the Miss Universe 2025 competition on the evening of November 8th (Photo: MUT).
On the evening of November 8th, Huong Giang shared on her personal page that she was not calling on the audience to vote for her in the People’s Choice category at this time. The beauty hoped that fans would instead focus their attention and support on compatriots in the Central region suffering from flood damage.
The People’s Choice voting will continue until November 19th.
Despite the controversies and fluctuations at Miss Universe 2025, Huong Giang is making efforts and performing quite well. She is also the only transgender contestant this season and has garnered international media attention.
Huong Giang was announced as Vietnam’s representative at Miss Universe 2025 in September. According to the Miss Universe Vietnam Organization, she is a testament to the resilience and talent of modern Vietnamese women. Many beauty news sites predict Huong Giang has the potential to reach the Top 20.
The Miss Universe 2025 final is scheduled to take place at Impact Arena in Bangkok (Thailand) on November 21st.
