Miss Universe Fiji has pulled its funding and is demanding a thorough investigation into the event organizers following allegations of an incorrect winner being crowned. The Lux Bali Project, which holds the Miss Universe Fiji 2024 license, returned to the country after a 43-year absence.
Concerns were raised regarding the selection process that led to Manshika Prasad being awarded the title. Lux Projects Bali has called for the event organizers to allow the licensee to choose the judges for the competition.
Initially, there were plans for a multi-year investment to elevate Fiji’s presence on the global platform that Miss Universe represents. However, due to the controversy surrounding the crowning of the wrong winner, as well as concerns about the organizers’ actions, the Board has decided to withdraw all future financial support.
They are also calling for a comprehensive investigation into the conduct of the contracted organizers, highlighting that nearly all the judges were connected to them through family, friendship, or business. This situation allegedly led to discrimination against native Fijian contestants and favored a Fiji Indian titleholder, which was seen as a predetermined outcome aimed at securing profitable global sponsorships and deals, ultimately harming the Miss Universe Fiji brand.