Six Southeast Asian representatives from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Laos will not participate in the 75th Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico amid an ongoing dispute between pageant executives.
In a statement released Wednesday, October 21, Miss Grand International (MGI) said sending the delegates was no longer feasible under circumstances that would protect their “status, dignity, safety, and equal treatment.”
The organization clarified that the development should not be considered a “voluntary withdrawal,” maintaining that the six national Miss Universe franchises were “lawfully obtained.”
“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 dispute stems from the disagreement between the Miss Universe Organization, led by Raul Rocha, and Miss Universe Eastern, a regional division headed by MGI founder Nawat Itsaragrisil. The MUO previously declared the franchises awarded by the regional division unauthorized and “void ab initio.”
Meanwhile, Miss Universe Thailand 2026 Tharina Botes expressed optimism despite the setback.
“This is not the end of my story. It's simply another chapter,” Botes said in an Instagram post, adding that she would continue pursuing her dreams.
The Miss Universe 2026 coronation night is scheduled for November 24 in Puerto Rico, where the Philippines will be represented by Bea Millan-Windorski as she vies for the country's fifth crown.
