Six Southeast Asian countries’ representatives will not participate in the 75th Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico in November.
In a statement on Wednesday, October 21, Miss Grand International (MGI) announced that representatives from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Laos would not travel to the competition following consultations with the national organizations, the representatives and other relevant parties.
“After consultation with the relevant parties, national organizations and the six representatives, it has been determined that the representatives of: Thailand/Vietnam/Indonesia/Malaysia/Singapore/Laos will not travel to participate in the 75th Miss Universe Competition under the present circumstances,” the MGI said in an official statement.
The announcement comes amid an ongoing dispute between the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) and Miss Universe Eastern (MU East), led by Thai pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil.
"Their non-participation must not be construed as a voluntary withdrawal from the contractual relationship, an abandonment of the MGI's franchise rights, or acceptance of the position asserted in the public statement concerning six territories," the MGI said.
The organization maintained that it retains its contractual rights, including their continuation, extension and exercise under the applicable agreements.
The affected titleholders include Thailand’s Tharina Botes, Vietnam’s Nguyen Quynh Anh, Malaysia’s Eunice Wong and Singapore’s Vion Erico Tan. Representatives for Indonesia and Laos have yet to be confirmed.
“The six women will continue to hold and perform their respective national titles and responsibilities within their countries, subject to their applicable arrangements,” it said.
MGI said the women “will continue to use their platforms to create positive social impact, represent their communities, inspire others and promote the values for which they were selected.”
MGI expressed support for the representatives, saying their achievements and worth should not be diminished by circumstances beyond their control.
“The circumstances surrounding the 75th Miss Universe Competition should never diminish what these six women have achieved or the responsibilities they continue to carry for their countries,“ it stressed.
The organization also raised concerns about the women’s dignity, safety and equal treatment, saying they should not bear the consequences of corporate disputes.
MGI said it would continue protecting the representatives’ rights and interests while pursuing its contractual rights under the applicable agreements and the law.
