Grant Dwyer’s Misconduct and the International Controversy Surrounding Miss Universe Fiji 2024*
The Miss Universe Fiji Organization is deeply concerned with the unfolding events surrounding the recent Miss Universe Fiji 2024 competition. We find it necessary to address the misconduct of the contracted organizer, Grant Dwyer, and the subsequent international controversy that has arisen from his actions.
*Grant Dwyer’s History of Manipulation*
Grant Dwyer has a history of rigging events to serve his personal financial interests. One of the most notable examples was the Miss Teen Australia 2010 competition, where the winner was selected based on a $2 million Seafolly contract, ensuring Dwyer’s financial gain. Unfortunately, this pattern of unethical behavior has resurfaced during the Miss Universe Fiji 2024 competition. Dwyer manipulated the outcome for his client, Manshika Prasad, while misleading partners and failing to disclose key financial agreements.
*Breach of Trust and Financial Discrepancies*
Dwyer’s actions during the Miss Universe Fiji 2024 competition resulted in unapproved costs amounting to tens of thousands of dollars. He failed to disclose financial agreements with partners and misled all involved, breaching the trust of both the Miss Universe Fiji Organization and our valued stakeholders. Furthermore, Dwyer’s promises of financial deals were never disclosed nor approved by the organization, contributing to the ongoing financial strain.
*Misleading and Exploiting Contestants*
During the competition, Dwyer’s misconduct extended to the contestants themselves. Nadine Roberts, the rightful winner of the Miss Universe Fiji 2024 title, was subjected to unfair treatment, including being shamed for her age, despite the Miss Universe International Organization’s celebration of inclusion. Dwyer’s manipulation of the judging process, as revealed by our appointed representative judge, included discriminatory remarks about Nadine’s age and appearance during closed interviews, which further swayed the judges. This is as discovered during the investigation as was he client / manager relationship with one of the contestants, and his WhatsApp messages of bias to not only install his client as the winner, but to ensure it was a Fiji Indian, to maximise Global sponsorship contracts for the much larger Indian Global population, discriminating against non Fiji Indian contestants.
Nadine Roberts, a private individual, has shown great resilience in the face of these challenges. After an almost fatal condition last year that left her in the ICU for weeks, she has worked incredibly hard to reach where she is today, a journey that should be recognized and respected. Without her vision and efforts Miss Universe Fiji would never had returned after 43 years. She’s been a hard worker and ambassador, using her contacts, profile and beauty pageant experience to help Miss Universe Fiji became a reality after such a long time.
For now her health is a concern and no one should be subjected to the media attacks on her integrity caused by the terminated event organizer.
Serious Breach of Contestant Safety
The Miss Universe Fiji Organization is also deeply concerned about the serious breach of contestant safety that occurred during the event run by the event organizer. Hours after the coronation event, one of the contestants, Nadine Roberts was allegedly sexually assaulted in her assigned room. This breach occurred when her roommate, ironically Manshika Prasad, switched rooms with other contestants, leaving Nadine vulnerable.
Internal investigations revealed that several contestants had left their room that night, in breach of protocol, while the event designer’s assistant and one of his male models, both of whom had worked during the event, remained at the hotel. Nadine Robert’s had allegedly raised concerns multiple times about the presence of male models in the change rooms with the contestants, which were unfortunately ignored. This breach of safety ultimately led to the ability for the alleged assault of Nadine Roberts that night.
It was reported to the police the next day, and is currently under Police ongoing investigation.
We commend the Police for their compassion and due diligence and Nadine Roberts for handling this traumatic event with dignity and professionalism. Despite the intense emotional distress she has endured, she chose not to speak publicly about the assault, wishing to maintain her privacy. We deeply respect her decision and her courage. However, as it has been leaked to the media in recent days, who are now asking questions, we feel we have no choice to be forthcoming re events that occurred on the night to avoid more misinformation being spread in the media. We also extend our gratitude to the Pearl Resort, particularly General Manager Natalie Marletta, who acted swiftly and compassionately to handle the situation discreetly in accordance with Nadine’s wishes. Nadine’s bravery and resilience during this time have been nothing short of commendable.
We are investigating how this was able to happen, and cooperating with the local Police, as security for contestants is something an event organizer is to take seriously and is a concern raised and flagged to MUF.
*A Call for Justice and Integrity*
As an organization, we remain committed to upholding the highest standards of fairness and integrity. The Miss Universe Fiji Organization had no financial gain from this event, and we fully distance ourselves from the misconduct of Grant Dwyer. He misled many,and attempted to secure financial opportunities for his client, Manshika Prasad, who he tried to have installed as the winner, through unethical means.
The smear campaigns in the media by Grant Dwyer of Nadine Roberts and bringing in her previous relationship in an attempt to distract the focus off the voting inconsistencies in the night that took place and the fact he took over the entire judging process, and had full control can not be conveniently ignored like some media wish to or swept under the carpet. All judges must be appointed by the licensee, not by the enter organiser who had obvious conflicts of interest not disclosed. This invalidates 6 of the judges votes that were family, friends, business partner and associates of Grant Dwyer.
We note that Nadine Roberts has conducted herself with grace, respect, and professionalism, qualities that we believe make her the rightful representative of Fiji at the Miss Universe 2024 competition. Her resilience in the face of adversity, including her private battle with a serious health condition and her handling of this controversy, speaks to her strength of character.
Moving Forward
With contestants scheduled to arrive on October 29, it is essential that this matter is resolved professionally and with integrity. The Miss Universe Fiji Organization stands by the rightful winner, in Nadine Roberts, and it is recognized that the integrity of the competition is restored.
We are committed to ensuring that such breaches of trust, safety, and fairness are never repeated. The Miss Universe Fiji Organization will continue to uphold the values of transparency and respect for all involved.
Conclusion
The events of the Miss Universe Fiji 2024 competition have brought to light serious misconduct and breaches of trust. We are working diligently to rectify these issues and to support Nadine Roberts as the rightful winner. We thank our partners, the contestants, and the public for their understanding and continued support as we navigate this challenging time.
The Miss Universe Fiji Organization is committed to ensuring that justice prevails, and that our values remain unshaken.
For further inquiries, please contact the Miss Universe Fiji Organization.
Email info@missuniversefiji.org