Miss Universe Fiji has decided to withdraw its funding and has called for a comprehensive investigation into the event organizers following allegations regarding an incorrect winner.
The Lux Bali Project, which holds the Miss Universe Fiji 2024 license, made a return to Fiji this year after a 43-year absence. The questions arose concerning the crowning of Manshika Prasad as the pageant’s winner. In light of this controversy, Lux Projects Bali has requested that the selection of judges for the event be managed by the licensee.
Originally, the plan was to make a multi-year investment in promoting the prestigious beauty pageant in Fiji and to ensure that the country was represented on the international stage that Miss Universe offers. However, due to the ongoing issues related to the declared winner during the final event and the reputational harm caused by the organizers’ actions, the Board of Miss Universe Fiji has opted to withdraw any future financial backing.
Additionally, the Board is demanding a thorough investigation into the behavior of the contracted organizers, particularly regarding their ability to appoint nearly all judges from among their relatives, friends, and business colleagues. This has raised concerns about potential bias, with only one independent judge representing Miss Universe Fiji. The Board claims this could lead to discrimination against native Fijian contestants, suggesting that there was a predetermined choice aimed at securing sponsorships and business deals to the detriment of the Miss Universe Fiji brand.