Media Statement Sept 4 2024

The current licensee holder that brought back the Miss Universe Fiji to Fiji after 43 years absence, has decided to end its licensee agreement with Miss Universe, and cease funding of the events.

Originally it had planned a multi year investment into the worlds No 1 Beauty Pageant, in Fiji, and to ensure Fiji was represented on the Global Stage that Miss Universe provides. However due to the unfortunate controversy over the incorrect winner being awarded on the night of the final, by the event organisers, and the brand damage by being associated with the conduct of the organisers, the Board has withdrawn all future financial support. It has also demanded a full investigation into the conduct of the contracted organisers, and how they were able to appoint almost all judges from their family, friends and business associates, leaving only 1 Independent judge representing MUF, that led to the discrimination against native Fijian contestants, in the contest, to ensure a Fiji Indian title holder was only selected, as the pre determined result to secure lucrative Global sponsorships, and business deals by the event organisers, to the detriment of Miss Universe Fiji brand.

It apologises for what transpired and has asked Miss Universe Global Organisation to decide who it wants to represent Fiji for 2024.

If it had been made clear upfront by the events organisers that only Fijian Indian contestants would be selected as a winner, for the organisers to profit from, of course the MUF licensee would never provided funding for such discriminatory behaviour.

The event organiser engaged in consistent promises and assurances the event would be run fairly and transparently, whilst using such deception to elicit tens and tens of thousands of dollars from the licensee, and stood to gain significantly if they were to get away with appointing the wrong winner.

MUF could have remained silent on this agenda to avoid such public controversy,however such deception should never be rewarded, let alone tolerated.

It hopes Miss Universe is able to attract another Funder for the Miss Universe Fiji licensee,to continue the investment already provided this year,to have the event to be even larger for next year and beyond, and with Independent Judges only appointed by the licensee to ensure such a debacle is avoided, the event could become a huge success for promoting Fiji to a large Global audience and to see young Fijian women to have the chance to proudly represent their country.