Miss Universe Colombia Organization apologizes to Catriona Gray over pageant introduction
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“I hope that Catriona Gray can forgive us and our management,” pens Natalie Ackerman, the President and National Director of the Miss Universe Colombia Organization.
Natalie Ackerman, the President and National Director of the Miss Universe Colombia Organization, has apologized to Catriona Gray after introducing the latter as the “Australian who represented the Philippines” and misspelling her last name as “Garay.”
In a statement released via Instagram Story, Ackerman first thanked the former titleholder for gracing the prestigious coronation night last Tuesday, November 17.
Ackerman then expressed her most profound apologies for the errors that were incurred during the event.
“We also would like to express our apologies for the mistake of her last name due to some language barrier and the announcement that she was born in Australia -- the translated language that was sent for introduction is -- 'Born in Australia, from the Philippines who is Miss Universe 2018,'” she explained.
“It is honestly part of the cultural differences as here in Colombia; we regard the value of unity and cross-cultural importance.”
The National Director then assured Gray that no malice was intended. She even explained that she has a close Dubai-based Filipino friend, whom she regards as her “brother.”
She added, “I have always admired the Filipino culture and the kindness of the people from the Philippines.
“I hope that Catriona Gray will not take this matter against us and can forgive us and our management. We are absolutely thrilled to visit the beautiful country of the Philippines soon.”
“Mahal ko kayong lahat and Mabuhay,” Ackerman concluded.
Read her full statement below:
On Tuesday, Catriona Gray shared a photo of herself with the word “Filipina” on her Instagram Story after she participated as judge in the Miss Universe Colombia 2020 pageant.
The response came after the host introduced the beauty queen as “hailing from Australia but represented the Philippines” in the Miss Universe competition.
