Miss Universe Fiji has ceased its financial backing and is demanding a thorough investigation into the event organizers following allegations that the wrong contestant was crowned as the winner. Lux Bali Project, the licensee for Miss Universe Fiji 2024, reintroduced the pageant to Fiji this year after a hiatus of 43 years.
Concerns were raised regarding the selection of Manshika Prasad as the queen, prompting Lux Projects Bali to question the process used in appointing judges for the competition. The licensee insisted that judges should be selected by them.
Initially, Miss Universe Fiji had intended to make a multi-year investment in the prestigious beauty pageant, aiming to enhance Fiji’s representation on the global platform that Miss Universe offers. However, due to the controversy surrounding the crowning of an incorrect winner and the negative impact on the brand stemming from the organizers’ actions, the Board has decided to withdraw all future financial support.
In its statement, Miss Universe Fiji has also called for a complete investigation into the organizers’ conduct, highlighting concerns that they appointed nearly all judges from their own circle of family, friends, and business associates, leaving only one independent judge. This arrangement allegedly led to bias against native Fijian contestants and aimed to ensure that a Fiji Indian titleholder was selected, purportedly to secure lucrative global sponsorships and business deals, ultimately harming the Miss Universe Fiji brand.