Jehza Huelar talks gown malfunction as ‘sabotage’ rumors circulate

Davaoeña beauty queen Jehza Huelar has issued an official statement regarding the gown malfunction she experienced during the 2018 Miss Supranational pageant. 

Jehza first dispelled rumors that her evening gown was made poorly. "Since I was involved in the creation of my evening gown, I can attest that all the materials used are of high quality and the craftsmanship was impeccable," she said. 

She added that it was never her intention to fuel rumors that the malfunction was a result of malice. 

"I would like to clarify that we are not insinuating in any way that the malfunction of my gown is a result of a sabotage plot."

According to Jehza, she rushed backstage after it was announced that she made it to the Top 10. A staff member offered to help her with the dress because she was struggling to zip it up. 

"Since I was already being called in stage, several people joined to help but the tugging and pulling from multiple directions only made the situation worse. Already pressed for time, the people who helped me decided to just pin the back of my dress as a workaround measure to keep it closed," Jehza explained.

She went on to walk the stage with the evening gown held together by safety pins. She was eliminated from the competition shortly after. 

Despite the issue with her gown, Jehza said that she is grateful for the chance to represent the country. She treats the incident, and her loss, as a point of learning.

"May this experience remind us that setbacks are simply opportunities that set us up for a strong come back."

Read: Jehza Huelar had an evening gown malfunction at Miss Supranational 2018.

Jehza competed in Poland for the 2018 Miss Supranational crown. She finished in the Top 10. — AT, GMA News