Miss Universe Philippines 2023, Michelle Dee, raised concerns among netizens following what appeared to be an early exit during a guest appearance on the Mexican television show Venga La Alegria, alongside fellow Miss Universe contestants.
A viral video, amassing over 6,000 likes on X (formerly Twitter), fueled online speculation.
The footage featured Miss Universe contestants, including Anne Jakrajutatip, the owner of the Miss Universe Organization, sharing smiles and laughter as they posed for photos.
In a pivotal moment, Jakratutatip motioned for a woman behind the camera to step forward, leading to staff approaching Dee and seemingly escorting her away from the lineup.
The Miss Universe Philippines organization promptly issued an official statement on Tuesday, November 21, denying allegations of unfair removal, discrimination, or Jakrajutatip instructing Dee to leave the stage.
They clarified that the segment had concluded when the video was taken, and Dee, feeling unwell due to a taxing schedule, excused herself to drink water.
Recognizing Dee’s discomfort, the Miss Universe Philippines team explained that, considering her demanding schedule in previous weeks, they decided it was best for her to return to the hotel and rest.
The statement concluded with well wishes for Dee’s speedy recovery and expressed hope that she would join the city tour once feeling better.
In a conversation with ABS-CBN News, Darick Cuevas of Miss Universe Philippines emphasized that Dee exited the frame after the segment had concluded.
Confirming her health condition in text messages on her Instagram broadcast channel, Hey MMDVERSE, Dee stated, “Suddenly felt so lightheaded, so I’m going back to the hotel! Don’t feel so well after that first media guesting.”
Despite clarifications, a video with English subtitles circulated on X, showing Jakrajutatip speaking in Thai with her arm around Dee.
Some netizens interpreted the video as containing insensitive remarks about Dee, with the only discernible English words being “move on.”
Filipina actress Rhian Ramos, a close friend of Michelle Dee, expressed discomfort with the situation on her Instagram story, sharing a portion of the video and expressing concern for her friend.
The incident sparked heated online discussions, with some calling for a boycott of the Miss Universe Organization.
However, a comment on Ramos’ Instagram post from someone claiming to be a teacher in Thailand suggested that Jakrajutatip’s comments were misunderstood by Filipino fans.
According to the commenter, Jakrajutatip intended to create a song titled “Can’t Move On” for Thai fans who couldn’t move on from the Miss Universe results.
The commenter also expressed doubts about why Dee needed to be in the video.
Despite the controversy, Michelle Dee’s remarkable achievements, including finishing in the Top 10 of the 72nd Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador, showcase her dedication to representing the Philippines on the global stage.
Dee won Gold in the “Voice for Change” category and received the “Spirit of Carnival” award.
The Daily Netizen 