Inna Moll’s Makeup Trend Goes Too Far: Miss Chile Faces Backlash After Mimicking Drug Use in Viral Video
The Miss Universe 2025 competition, which was meant to celebrate global beauty and empowerment, has found itself tangled in controversy this week after Miss Chile, Inna Moll, posted a video that many online viewers called insensitive and inappropriate. The clip, which appeared to mimic drug use under the guise of a makeup tutorial, quickly went viral and prompted backlash so strong that the contestant later deleted it and issued a public apology.
Inna Moll, a 27-year-old influencer and model representing Chile, shared the video across her social-media accounts earlier this week during the pageant’s pre-competition events in Thailand. The short clip showed her dabbing a white powder on her arm, then pretending to inhale it in a gesture that immediately alarmed viewers. The “before-and-after” makeup reel was meant to reveal her transformation into full glam, but the transition, paired with her gesture, struck many as an imitation of illicit drug use.
Almost instantly, the video sparked intense debate online. Fans of the Miss Universe competition, known for holding its contestants to high moral standards, flooded her comments sections with criticism. Within hours, screenshots of the video circulated across social media, spreading far beyond Chilean and pageant circles. Some users accused Moll of “mocking addiction,” while others called it “tone-deaf,” especially in a global event that aims to inspire women and younger audiences.
As the backlash grew, Moll deleted the post and issued an apology on her Instagram story, saying she regretted not stopping the idea before it was filmed. “I should have refused,” she wrote in Spanish. “I said no at first, but I didn’t stand my ground. I take full responsibility for my mistake. I’m learning, and I hope this serves as a lesson not just for me, but for everyone watching.” Her tone was somber, her words direct — an acknowledgment of the seriousness of the situation and a plea for understanding.
According to People, Moll also clarified that the video’s concept originated with her makeup artist, who had suggested it as a lighthearted creative transition commonly seen on TikTok. The artist, identified as Taratorn Aek, later posted an apology of his own. “I never intended harm to Inna or her image,” he wrote. “It was a thoughtless idea, and I deeply regret it.” Moll shared his apology on her own profile, reaffirming that she had learned from the experience.
The Miss Universe Organization has not released an official statement, but sources close to the event in Thailand told People that there were discussions among organizers about whether the incident could impact Moll’s eligibility. While no formal disciplinary action has been announced, the episode has cast an unwelcome shadow over her campaign. Pageant insiders say that moments like this — even unintentional ones — can heavily influence judges and fans, especially when contestants are expected to embody responsibility, elegance, and cultural sensitivity.
The timing could not have been worse. The Miss Universe 2025 competition is less than two weeks away, with the finale scheduled for November 21 in Pak Kret, Thailand. Contestants from over 90 countries are currently participating in rehearsals, charity events, and media appearances leading up to the televised final. For Moll, what was meant to be a celebration of beauty and self-expression has suddenly turned into a moment of global scrutiny.
Many fans expressed disappointment, saying Moll’s actions undermined the pageant’s message of empowerment. “You’re representing your country — this isn’t just about makeup,” one viewer commented on a reposted clip. Others, however, came to her defense, arguing that the backlash was disproportionate. “It was clearly a trend,” wrote another. “She made a mistake, she apologized, and that should be enough.”
The debate reflects a larger cultural tension that has increasingly followed pageant contestants into the social-media era. In past decades, their every move was filtered through official photographers and PR representatives. Today, however, contestants wield enormous online influence and are expected to balance personal branding with strict public responsibility. A single 15-second video can reach millions — and in Inna Moll’s case, it did.
In the broader conversation, the video has reignited discussions about the intersection of social-media trends and the responsibility of public figures. While lip-sync challenges and playful transitions have become standard tools for influencers, the line between humor and harmful imagery can be thin, especially when context shifts. In Chile, Moll’s home country, some national outlets questioned whether the incident could affect her support from fans and sponsors, while others commended her for her quick apology and transparency.
Even within the Miss Universe community, reactions have been mixed. Former contestants and national directors have reportedly discussed how the organization might tighten digital-media guidelines going forward. One former Miss Universe competitor told Daily Mail anonymously, “We all make mistakes, but we also carry the weight of our titles. The camera is always on us, whether we like it or not.”
Moll, who has more than 1 million followers across her platforms, first gained fame as a travel vlogger and lifestyle influencer before entering the pageant world. Her reputation has long been tied to her charisma and authenticity, which makes this controversy feel especially jarring to her fans. “This isn’t who she is,” one follower wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “She’s a good person who made a poor decision under pressure.”
In her follow-up posts, Moll appeared to take that message to heart. She emphasized her intention to continue competing with humility, saying that she hopes to use the experience as “a reminder that influence carries responsibility.” Those close to her describe her as deeply shaken but determined to move forward and represent Chile with renewed focus.
The incident also highlights the increasing difficulty contestants face in maintaining authenticity while avoiding missteps. With every action amplified through social media, the room for error has all but disappeared. Pageant commentators have noted that while Miss Universe prides itself on modernity and self-expression, its contestants still operate within a strict moral framework shaped by decades of tradition. Bridging those two worlds — the influencer age and the institution — remains one of the competition’s most complex challenges.
For now, Inna Moll continues to participate in the lead-up to the competition. Her appearances in Thailand this week have reportedly been low-key, with organizers discouraging direct questions about the controversy. Still, her fellow contestants have shown her support behind the scenes, according to several media outlets. “It’s a learning moment,” one delegate said. “No one’s perfect. What matters is how you handle it.”
Whether that grace will translate into redemption remains to be seen. The Miss Universe stage has witnessed its share of controversies over the years — from national costume disputes to viral social-media feuds — but few moments have captured the complicated intersection of image, influence, and accountability quite like this. Moll’s case serves as both a cautionary tale and a reflection of how quickly reputations can change in the digital age.
As the world watches the pageant unfold in Thailand, one thing is certain: this story will follow Inna Moll through the remainder of the competition. How she responds, on and off stage, will likely define her legacy far more than any gown, speech, or crown ever could.
