Manshika Prasad, recently crowned Miss Universe Fiji 2024, faced an unexpected challenge just two days after her victory. Following her crowning at a lavish announcement party, confusion arose over her title when allegations surfaced regarding vote manipulation, sexual misconduct, and financial improprieties.
Prasad, maintaining a quiet and humble demeanor, endured public scrutiny amid a prolonged media attack by a rival contestant. While accusations against her emerged, she chose to remain silent, even as her crown felt heavy with the weight of these claims. Social media became a battleground, but Prasad refrained from engaging in a online dispute.
Despite the tumult, Prasad calmly addressed the controversy yesterday, countering assertions made by the rival contestant regarding her participation in the upcoming Miss Universe International pageant. Posting on Instagram with a stunning image of herself in a stylish white gown, she stated, “Counting down days until I’m in Mexico for the 73rd Miss Universe,” and reaffirmed, “I am going officially as stated by Miss Universe Organisation. See you in Mexico.”
This recent development follows a month of rivalry, where Nadine Roberts, a competitor with familial roots in Fiji, sought to claim the Miss Universe Fiji 2024 title for herself. Concerns have been raised over potential conflicts of interest involving Roberts and the event’s licensee, but attempts to obtain her comments before this article’s publication went unanswered.
Currently in Australia, Prasad shared that her preparations for the pageant in Mexico are well underway. She is not only focused on her pageant journey but also advocates against violence towards women and girls, while pursuing a Master’s degree in Business Administration.