MISS Universe Philippines Ahtisa Manalo’s more than 2 million “likes” on Facebook will go to waste as an offshoot of the conflict between the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) and the Thai hosting committee, and the eventual cancelation of the votes at the “Special Dinner and Talk Show.”
The cancellation was announced in a statement by the Miss Universe Thailand (MUT), which is tasked to take charge of promotions of the 74th Miss Universe pageant leading to the coronation night on Nov. 21.
MUT is under the franchise of Nawat Itsaragrisil, whose own company also mounts the rival Miss Grand International pageant.
The “Special Dinner and Talk Show” was mounted by MUT’s Nawat Itsaragrisil on the second day of the pageants for the top vote-getters.
Voting was to end on Nov. 5 and reigning queen Victoria Kjær Theilvig and host committee head Nawat Itsaragrisil were supposed to join the 10 poll leaders in the dinner. But MUO had declared that the event was “not authorized.”
“Following the statement released by the [MUO] regarding this activity, our sponsors have expressed concerns, discomfort, and pressure that have led them to suspend their support for this particular event. Consequently, we are unable to proceed with the activity as planned,” read MUT’s statement.
As of the latest tally, Manalo was leading among the more than 120 delegates competing this year. The activity is similar to what the Miss Grand International pageant has been doing every year, with the “pre-arrival favorites” earning a seat to an exclusive dinner with Nawat and his reigning queen.
In a Nov. 2 statement, the MUO said, “any independent or third-party activity using the Miss Universe name, logo, marks, or related branding without prior written authorization is considered a violation of intellectual property rights and brand integrity.”
The organization continued: “Any promotional materials, contests, or voting initiatives currently circulating online under the Miss Universe name, including those associated with the aforementioned event, are unauthorized and misleading.”
Nawat’s team fired back on Nov. 3 and said, “in reference to the recent announcement by MUO, we would like to clarify that the ‘Like’ voting campaign on social media is part of the official marketing package authorized for the Host Country.”
But the Thai hosting committee already backed down based on the most recent statement. “MGI PCL, as the host organization, sincerely apologizes to all fans and supporters for any inconvenience this may cause, and we truly appreciate your continued enthusiasm and commitment in voting for and supporting your representatives,” read the statement.
Less than a week since the official arrival of delegates in Thailand, the Miss Universe pageant has been plagued by growing tension between MUO and Nawat’s team.
In his talk with the delegates before the “sashing ceremony” on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 4, Nawat had a heated exchange with Mexico’s Fatima Bosch, prompting her to storm out of the room along with other delegates, mostly from Latin American countries, and Theilvig.
The walkout prompted a backlash from the MUO management and several beauty queens, who accused Nawat of disrespect and undue aggression.
The ladies are set to visit Phuket and Pattaya before returning to Bangkok for the preliminary competitions and the coronation ceremonies at the Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi on Nov. 21. (Armin P. Adina © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
