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The Miss Universe Canada (MUC) organization shared its thoughts on the controversy involving its Miss Universe candidate Nova Stevens and Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco.

“We at the Miss Universe Canada organization are deeply saddened to read the recent negative online comments directed at us, the current Miss Universe Canada titleholder, some of our designer supporters and third-party organizations,” the MUC wrote on Instagram.

The brouhaha started after Nova's publicist MGmode Communications said that the gowns designed by Michael arrived late and ill-fitting, “sabotaging” Nova's chances at the Miss Universe 2020 pageant.

Michael vehemently denied the accusations and went on to call Nova and her team “ungrateful, vile, and professional users.” He also claimed that he was not paid for any of the gowns that he designed for Nova's Miss Universe campaign.

Nova, meanwhile, claimed to receive death threats and racist remarks following the incident.

“The Miss Universe Canada (MUC) organization appreciates the relationships we have worked hard to build and maintain with designers all over the world,” the MUC said in its statement.

“Like any organization in the pageant business, we enter into agreements with designers, in exchange for products we provide exposure and recognition to their brand.

“We recognize the significant contribution they make, not only with beautiful couture gowns, but also financially with work hours, time and shipping costs that they absorb.”

The organization stated that it works with many designers from across the world, and does not commit to a specific design.

“As a result of that, we are not able to wear all of the beautiful designs sent to us,” the MUC said.

“We strive to ensure our designer partners such as Michael Cinco and Rian Fernandez are always aware of our gratitude for their tremendous support.

“However, based on recent online statements others believe that we as an organization are not doing as well as we thought. We will strive to do better going forward.”

The organization apologized to Michael Cinco and fellow designer Rian Fernandez “for any damage these recent incidents have caused to them or their brand.”

The MUC also stressed that the opinions expressed by third-party partners do not represent the views of the organization.

As for the personal attacks directed at its candidate, the MUC condemns these actions and asked the public to stop.

“Nobody should be subjected to this level of cyberbullying, hate, and violence. The MUC organization strongly objects to this level of abuse, and we refuse to partake in stooping to that level of ugliness.”

Take a look at the celebrities who donned a Michael Cinco creation: