The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has issued its official statement defending its integrity following recent controversies surrounding the Miss Universe pageant.
In a statement released on February 23 on its official website, the MUO addressed what it called “malicious attempts by certain individuals to tarnish the reputation” of the organization.
The allegations were said to have involved the “manipulation of digital content and the distortion of facts, all with the apparent aim of jeopardizing the organization for personal gain.”
“We wish to assure our supporters, sponsors, and partners that these actions will not derail us from our mission,” the statement read.
The organization emphasized its commitment to addressing such allegations through legal channels and pledged to take all necessary actions to counteract the misinformation being spread.
“We wish to assure our supporters, sponsors, and partners that these actions will not derail us from our mission. Our commitment to inclusion and transparency remains steadfast, and we will take all necessary legal action to address these unethical attempts to besmirch our organization,” MUO’s statement assured.
The message also highlighted the leadership of its CEO, trans-Thai mogul Anne Jakrajutatip, lauding her for “fostering a climate of freedom and equality through her actions” within the organization.
The MUO went on to state that its “principles of transparency and loyalty to its National Directors,” ensuring the “free and independent selection” of delegates who will represent their nations on the pageant’s stage.
“Maintaining this standard ensures that our judging panel is comprised of people of unwavering ethics, credibility, and autonomy, all guided by the mission of empowering women who embody the values of the Miss Universe Organization,” the organization explained.
“We urge our supporters to stand firmly with us in upholding these ideals, demonstrating through our actions a commitment to women’s empowerment and resisting any attempts to suppress these values,” the statement emphasized.
The MUO also made a declaration regarding “expressions of beauty”, saying, “We wholeheartedly embrace and defend the expression of beauty in its various forms. We urge our supporters to stand firmly with us in upholding these ideals, demonstrating through our actions a commitment to women’s empowerment and resisting any attempts to suppress these values.”
The Miss Universe Organization concluded its statement by reinforcing its dedication to offering equal opportunities and celebrating the beauty found in every individual, irrespective of background or ethnicity.
“Together, we will safeguard the principles of inclusivity, transparency, and integrity, ensuring that they remain central to all of our efforts,” it read.
The official statement came amid Jakrajutatip drawing flak online for her alleged statements involving certain pageant contestants having “no chance of winning” despite promoting “inclusivity”.
