6 Asian delegates to skip Miss Universe 2026 amid franchise dispute

Miss Grand International (MGI) has announced that representatives from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Laos will not participate in the 75th Miss Universe Competition amid an ongoing dispute over franchise rights.

In an official statement on Facebook, MGI clarified that the delegates' absence should not be interpreted as a withdrawal from existing agreements or a surrender of its franchise rights.

"MGI continues to maintain its contractual rights and expressly preserves the continuation, extension and exercise of those rights in accordance with the applicable contractual arrangements," the organization said.

MGI also emphasized that the six women should not be caught in the middle of disagreements between pageant organizations.

"We believe that women's empowerment means more than placing the word 'empowerment' in a slogan," the statement read.

"It means protecting them when their safety or equal treatment cannot be sufficiently assured," it added.

Despite their non-participation, the six representatives will retain their national titles and continue fulfilling their responsibilities and advocacy work in their respective countries.

"Their achievements, dignity and worth cannot be determined by whether circumstances beyond their control prevent them from appearing on one particular international stage," MGI said.

The organization reaffirmed its support for the delegates while maintaining its position in the franchise dispute.

The development comes at the heels of conflicting announcements from Miss Universe's social media accounts regarding the host country of the 2027 competition.

Earlier this October, the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) announced that Vietnam had been selected to host the pageant.

However, a separate statement published on Miss Universe's Instagram account and official website disputed the announcement, saying Vietnam had not been designated as the 2027 host country.

MUO also said it does not recognize "MU East" as an authorized body, division, affiliate, or representative of Miss Universe.

Meanwhile, the upcoming Miss Universe competition is scheduled on November 24 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot.

Reigning Miss Universe queen Fatima Bosch of Mexico will pass the crown to her successor.

The Philippines will be represented by Bea Millan-Windorski.

—JCB, GMA News