The Global Story: The international drama of Miss Universe

In this episode of The Global Story, hosts Asma Khalid and Tristan Redmond interview William Lee Adams, a BBC journalist and pop culture enthusiast, about the resurgence and drama surrounding the Miss Universe pageant. The discussion covers the pageant's history, Donald Trump's influence, and the recent controversies involving contestants, organizers, and allegations of pageant fixing. Adams provides insights into the cultural significance of the pageant, particularly in countries outside the Western world, and explores the tensions between traditional pageant values and the demands of social media relevance. The episode also delves into the backgrounds of the contestants and the conflicting visions of the pageant's future held by its current leaders.