Miss Universe Colombia apologizes to Catriona Gray over controversial introduction

Miss Universe Colombia has apologized to Catriona Gray over its controversial introduction for the beauty queen during the pageant.

In an Instagram story, the organization shared its statement from its president and national director Natalie Ackermann, who thanked Catriona for being a part of their “esteemed judges, for supporting Smile Train and for spreading the positivity and kindness which is the paragon of the values that we also believe.”

Last week, Catriona flew to Colombia to be a part of Miss Universe Colombia’s panel of judges.  

However, several netizens paid close attention to the pageant and discovered that Catriona appeared to be introduced as “hailing from Australia but represented the Philippines after living for a few years there” in Spanish.

The management also spelled her name as “Catriona Garay” on-screen. 

Following the controversy, Catriona took to Instagram to post a powerful image of herself with only the caption “Filipina.”   

Apologizing for the controversial introduction and misspelled last name, Natalie explained: “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 Austalia, from the Philippines who is Miss Universe 2018.’” 

She added: “It is honestly part of the cultural differences here in Colombia, we regard the value of unity and cross cultural importance.’

Natalie also emphasized in the statement that they had no malice in inviting Catriona to their pageant. 

“We assure that there is no malice intended as we invited Catriona Gray in the first place because we believe in Filipinos and having a personal Dubai-based Filipino friend who is like a brother to me, I have always admired the Filipino culture and the kindness of people from the Philippines,” Natalie said.

“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,” she added.

Natalie then signed off with the Filipino saying, “Mahal ko kayong lahat at Mabuhay!” – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News