El Salvador organizers apologize for misleading information about Miss Universe 2023 Top 5

Besides the praise for the success of an "all star" season, forums also feature numerous articles "picking out flaws" in this international beauty pageant.

Controversy over El Salvador's mistaken announcement of Top 5

The final top 5 of Miss Universe 2023 have names that are highly appreciated for their appearance and outstanding performance skills. They are beauties from: Australia, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Thailand, Colombia.

Notably, the post congratulating the Top 5 after the final round of the Miss Universe El Salvador account on Instagram created a wave of public opinion when confusing the representative faces.

Confused Top 5 from host country.

According to the update on the homepage, the rankings of the Thai and Philippine representatives in the post were swapped, Michelle Dee unexpectedly replaced Anntonia in the Top 5. In fact, in the announcement ceremony, the Philippine beauty only stopped at the Top 10.

This information made the beauty fan community stir, expressing indignation at the unprofessional mistake of the host unit.

It was not until the morning of November 23 that the El Salvador organization issued a belated apology on its Instagram page. They expressed their sincerity and said that "it was just a simple mistake."

"Our mistake! In our haste to post the live broadcast on Saturday (18/11 local time), we accidentally mixed up the names of the two finalists. This was just a small mistake due to the quick update - we heard the results live just like you all did, no special access here! We apologize to both finalists," Miss Universe El Salvador shared.

Apology from Miss Universe El Salvador.

Faced with the apology from the host, Filipino beauty Michelle Dee also expressed her opinion very frankly in her chat channel with fans. However, netizens think that the beauty queen is just trying to calm her fans after the unprofessional mistakes above.

"It's not right to make mistakes, but the reality is that we live in an imperfect world . My point is not only to respect the representatives participating, but also to listen to the fans who are loyal to this competition.

Everything happens for a reason, the problem is whether we can transform it into a valuable lesson for ourselves or not. Therefore, I hope you will look at it with love and respect. Dear my loves", Michelle Dee shared in a message to fans on Instagram.

Michelle Dee spoke out in a message to fans on Instagram.

However, many fans of the pageant, especially Filipinos, expressed disappointment over the mistake. Some social media users even asked Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere - one of the judges at the coronation ceremony - to speak up about the mistake.

Mittenaere said she had no idea about the matter and revealed that Dee was one of her top five picks. "As a judge, everything is fair and square. But honestly, Michelle is in my top five. I love her style in evening gowns and I've loved her style since I met her in the Philippines almost three years ago," Mittenaere said.

Miss Universe President Leaves Leadership After More Than 20 Years, Overshadowing Coronation Moment

Beneath the glitz and glamour of the pageant in El Salvador lies a 7 billion baht ($197 million) loss for Anne Jakkaphong's JKN Global Group, according to Asia Nikkei.

The incident caused public confusion when just a week before the finale, the company filed for bankruptcy protection in Thailand after failing to make a bond payment on September 1, causing cross-defaults for six other companies.

In BBN Breaking's view, the 72nd Miss Universe pageant was a controversial event, especially due to its timing and strategic significance.

President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador, which is hosting the pageant, has faced criticism for using the international event as a political tool in his re-election campaign.

The $20 million acquisition of Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA in October 2022 is an effort to grow JKN's international business and increase brand recognition for Anne Jakkaphong, already an icon in the LGBTQ community as one of the world's richest transgender women.

Despite its worsening liquidity, JKN has spent 2.5 billion baht this year to buy more show rights, in addition to the cost of organizing the Miss Universe pageant. Profit fell 23.87% year-on-year in the first nine months of 2023 due to financing and pageant costs.

"Winning Miss Universe could be a mistake. When you have negative cash flow, you have to be cautious with investments," said Kitpon, trading director at PTT Public Company Limited.

Besides, he said that "selling Miss Universe will not solve the debt. When the value is reduced, the actual asset may not be as valuable as when it was first purchased."

JKN will have to prepare for a hearing on January 29, 2024 at the Thai Bankruptcy Court to restructure its debt.

In addition, the speech of the President of Miss Universe was given after the company that owns the copyright of Miss Universe JKN Global filed for bankruptcy in Thailand on November 9. It is still a hot topic discussed by the beauty fan community.

Miss Universe 2023 final night, Paula Shugart - President of Miss Universe announced her departure from the leadership position after more than 20 years of association.

Many opinions say that Ms. Shugart had conflicts with the owner of Miss Universe Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip.

However, Ms. Paula Shugart affirmed that the decision to resign was made many months ago and was not related to recent events at Miss Universe.

Specifically, in the final night of Miss Universe 2023, Paula Shugart - President of Miss Universe, with her announcement of leaving the leadership position after more than 20 years of association, took part of the spotlight of the contest when it took place right after the national costume competition.

"On this grand stage, I announce the end of my term as Miss Universe President. I have decided that the finale on November 18 will be the last show I will host," she said.

In addition to making the announcement, Paula Shugart emotionally looked back on her journey with Miss Universe. More than 20 years ago, she took on the role of president during a "turbulent" time and it was the Miss Universe community that guided her every step of the way.

“I am so proud of everything we have achieved. We have taught women that true beauty is based on confidence and using their voice.”

The coronation moment of Nicaragua representative Sheynnis Palacios.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/ban-to-chuc-el-salvador-len-tieng-xin-loi-boi-thong-tin-sai-lech-top-5-miss-universe-2023-192231123200254129.htm