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Miss Universe Philippines urges positivity amid recent Miss Universe issues
The Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) Organization has called on pageant fans to focus on celebrating this year's Miss Universe delegates instead of engaging in negativity following recent issues that stirred tensions among the global pageant community.
On Instagram, the organization posted a statement, encouraging fans to respond with understanding and positivity.
"While recent incidents have stirred strong emotions, responding with negativity or calls for cancellation only divides our community. We encourage understanding and positivity to uplift the women involved and strengthen the pageant," MUPH said.
"We commend MUO President Raul Rocha for his prompt and direct response to the recent issues. The Miss Universe Organization has taken the necessary steps to address the matter and ensure the pageant proceeds smoothly," it added.
The organization also expressed hope that similar incidents involving disparaging remarks about Thailand and racial stereotyping of Asians will no longer occur, emphasizing that such behavior has no place in a community that upholds compassion, education, and inclusion.
"Pageantry has the power to inspire, transform, and unite. Instead of toxicity, let us choose dialogue, understanding, and progress. Mistakes do not define the future; compassion, respect, empowerment and understanding do," it said.
MUPH ended its statement by writing, "Let us carry forward the Miss Universe legacy—a platform for international unity, women's empowerment, and breaking barriers to foster an inclusive society. We wish the great nation of Thailand success in hosting this year's pageant. Mabuhay, Miss Universe!"
The recent issues primarily surround Miss Universe Thailand National Director Nawat Itsaragrisil, whom Rocha called out for publicly humiliating, insulting, and showing a lack of respect toward the candidate from Mexico, Fatima Bosch.
Rocha subsequently restricted Nawat’s participation in the 74th Miss Universe competition events and said that the MUO's trust in the host community, Miss Grand International (MGI), had failed under Nawat’s leadership.
Nawat issued an apology after the disruption in the Miss Universe pageant.
Additionally, the MUO previously slammed Miss Universe Thailand for promoting an unauthorized "Special Dinner & Talk Show" that encouraged voting via social media, saying it did not represent the organization's official values or activities.
The Philippines is represented by Ahtisa Manalo. She is vying for the country's fifth Miss Universe crown.
The coronation night will be held on November 21.
—Carby Rose Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News
