Miss Universe Fiji has withdrawn its funding and is calling for a complete investigation into the event’s organizers following allegations of an erroneous winner. The Lux Bali Project, which holds the Miss Universe Fiji 2024 license, returned to Fiji this year after a 43-year absence.
Questions have arisen regarding the crowning of Manshika Prasad as the winner, prompting Lux Projects Bali to insist that the selection of judges for the event should be under the licensee’s control.
Originally, the organization planned to make a substantial multi-year investment in promoting the prestigious beauty pageant in Fiji, aiming to enhance the country’s representation on the global stage facilitated by Miss Universe.
However, due to the recent controversy surrounding the selection of an incorrect winner and the reputational harm resulting from the organizers’ actions, the Board has decided to withdraw all future financial support.
Furthermore, they have demanded an investigation into the behavior of the contracted organizers and their process of appointing nearly all judges from their own circles, including family and friends. This setup left only one independent judge representing Miss Universe Fiji and allegedly led to discrimination against native Fijian contestants. Critics suggest that the competition was skewed in favor of selecting a Fiji Indian titleholder, which they believe was a pre-determined outcome aimed at securing lucrative sponsorships and business deals at the expense of Miss Universe Fiji’s brand integrity.