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Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray defended her Instagram post about the upcoming Miss Universe pageant after a netizen questioned her lack of support for our Pinay bet, Rabiya Mateo.

In the said post, Catriona shared her thoughts about the upcoming pageant night and the challenges facing the delegates amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

She posted, “And just like that, it's @missuniverse season again! I think it's such an amazing feat that the delegates from around the world have been able to be present in Florida, USA having overcome all the challenges that I'm sure they and their team faced! So shout out to all the contestants, their teams and families who have helped in allowing each woman to strive for her @missuniverse dreams despite the current climate!

“Seeing all the arrival looks so I'm reminiscing my own arrival look in Thailand. (Definitely one of my favorites!) Who are you all cheering for?”

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A post shared by Catriona Gray (@catriona_gray)

A netizen commented on Catriona's post and told her to use her influence to campaign for Rabiya instead.

“REALLY??? You're a Filipina, instead of cheering for @rabiyamateo, you ask people who they are cheering for???”

The Fil-Australian beauty immediately responded by explaining her post saying, “I'm a Filipina AND a Miss Universe. It's a celebration of women from all over the world.”

In a separate reply to a netizen, Catriona clarified that she won't be sitting in the judge's table to pick the next Miss Universe queen this year.

The 69th Miss Universe coronation night will be held on May 16 (May 17, Philippine time) at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, USA.

Find out more about the Pinay who brought home our fourth Miss Universe title in this gallery: