Manshika Prasad, crowned Miss Universe Fiji 2024, faced an unexpected challenge following her victory announcement two days later. Confusion erupted when her title was questioned amid allegations of vote rigging, sexual assault, and financial misconduct.
Despite the turmoil, Ms. Prasad maintained her composure while dealing with a lengthy media assault from a competing contestant. While the alleged rival engagement sparked public concern, the true queen remained silent, shouldering the weight of the crown and the unfounded allegations directed at her.
The 23-year-old refrained from engaging in social media disputes, choosing instead to rise above the controversy. Recently, she addressed these issues, clarifying her position on representation at the Miss Universe International pageant.
In a confident Instagram post featuring her in an elegant white gown, she stated, “Counting down days until I’m in Mexico for the 73rd Miss Universe.” She reassured her supporters by confirming, “I am going officially as stated by the Miss Universe Organisation. See you in Mexico.”
The situation intensified following rival contestant Nadine Roberts’ attempts to undermine Ms. Prasad’s title, making headlines with her claims to dethrone the reigning queen. Concerns arose regarding Ms. Roberts’ potential conflict of interest due to her connection to the event’s licensee.
Despite unanswered inquiries directed to Roberts, Ms. Prasad expressed her excitement for the upcoming pageant in Mexico, emphasizing her advocacy against violence toward women and girls. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration in Australia.