By Belize Live News Staff: The Miss Universe Belize Pageant is once again at the center of controversy, this time over its national costume designs, and whether they were generated by artificial intelligence.
The latest uproar began after the top three costume sketches were posted to the committee’s official Facebook page. Instead of showcasing Belize’s beloved national symbols—like the iconic keel-billed toucan, the collared aracari, or the emerald toucanet—none of the designs featured any of them. What’s more, online critics quickly suspected the sketches may have been generated by AI rather than created by local artists.
The backlash was swift. Social media users questioned both the authenticity and creativity behind the designs, sparking a wider debate over the growing role of AI in creative fields. Some users lamented the missed opportunity to spotlight Belize’s vibrant wildlife and artistic talent on an international stage.
Jomarie Lanza, the national director of Miss Universe Belize, now finds herself in the middle of a swirling debate, one not just about feathers and fabric, but about the integrity of art itself in an AI-driven world.
This isn’t the first time the pageant has faced costume-related criticism. But the conversation has shifted: it’s no longer just about which cultural elements are showcased, but whether those designs are even human-made.
With growing calls for transparency and support for local creatives, the Miss Universe Belize team may soon need to clarify just how these costume sketches came to be and who (or what) made them.
