A controversial ruling by judges has resulted in a significant error regarding Fiji’s representative for the upcoming 2024 Miss Universe pageant in Mexico, causing distress for two contestants. According to a statement from the Miss Universe Fiji organizers, Nadine Roberts was actually the rightful winner among the top 10 but was incorrectly announced as the runner-up due to a rushed decision.
This misjudgment marks the second time Roberts has faced such an issue, having previously been wrongly declared the runner-up when Manshika Prasad was announced as the winner. Organizers indicated that the situation could have been avoided had proper procedures been followed by the event’s contracted organizer.
The competition resulted in a voting tie, requiring the licensee holder to make the final decision on the winner. However, it is claimed that the contracted organizer prioritized a Fiji Indian contestant in hopes of capitalizing on potential global business opportunities. The organizers noted that the failure to include the licensee’s vote skewed the outcome, ensuring that only the Fiji Indian contestant would win against a local non-Indian contestant.
An internal review revealed that, with seven judges plus the licensee’s one vote leading to an even split of four votes each for both contestants, the failure to consult the licensee during the tie-breaker contributed to the confusion. Despite concerns raised on the night of the event about the need to count the licensee vote, the organizers hastily announced their preferred candidate as the winner, resulting in unnecessary controversy.
A representative from Miss Universe Fiji expressed disappointment over the errors, which marred what should have been a successful event showcasing outstanding contestants. They acknowledged the close competition and celebrated Nadine Roberts as the chosen representative for Miss Universe Fiji 2024, while also thanking all participants for their efforts.
The Miss Universe event drew together Fiji’s prominent figures from hospitality, business, and fashion, marking a significant return for the country to the global Miss Universe stage after 43 years. Nadine Roberts, 30, is a professional singer, commercial dancer, and property manager who is dedicated to empowering young girls and women in Fiji. She stated, “My mission is to inspire the future generation, providing them with a platform to shine and reach their full potential.”