Miss Universe Philippines released a statement clarifying a viral video of Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee allegedly being ushered away from a group photo-taking during a TV guesting in Mexico City.
The local beauty pageant organization uploaded a photo of its statement on its Instagram page on Tuesday, Nov. 21.
“Firstly, the segment was done by the time she exited,” the local beauty pageant organization began.
According to Miss Universe PH, Michelle excused herself to drink water “because she wasn’t feeling well due to the past week’s tedious back-to-back schedule”, prompting her MUPH team to take her back to the hotel to rest.
“Michelle hopes to join the city tour today as long as she feels better,” it added, urging pageant fans to extend their well-wishes for her speedy recovery.
Following the 72nd Miss Universe 2023 coronation night on Sunday, Michelle was reportedly selected to accompany the Miss Universe delegation for various activities in Mexico, the host country for next year’s pageant.
However, on Tuesday, a video circulated online that alleged Miss Universe owner Anne Jakrajutatipr’s disrespectful treatment of Michelle during the event, drawing flak from Pinoy pageant fans and netizens.
Jakrajutatipr has yet to comment nor react on the issue.
Dee ended her Miss Universe 2023 stint as one of the Top 10 finalists and bagged three special awards.
Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios took home the crown as the first Miss Universe of her country.
