Miss Universe Organization Slams ‘False Accusations of Fraud’ After Miss USA Winner’s Coronation: ‘Absurd’

The Miss Universe organization has spoken out about the rigging allegations following the victory of Miss USA R’Bonnie Gabriel last Saturday.

The organization has rejected claims by social media users that its new owner had staged a pageant to crown Gabriel, who became the first Filipino-American to be crowned Miss Universe.

“Saturday’s pageant was the first time a trans woman has reached out to fans as the winner of Miss Universe,” the organization said in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital about the transgender Thai businesswoman and JKN Global Group CEO Ann Jakrayuthatip.

“In addition, this was the first time that a Filipino-American received the crown,” the statement said. “False allegations of fraud are absurd and detract from the incredible milestones our organization and delegates have experienced this weekend.”

“Instead of focusing on unsubstantiated claims, we will continue to highlight the empowerment of women around the world, inclusiveness, diversity and transformational leadership,” the organization concluded.

MISS USA R’BONNY GABRIEL WON THE MISS UNIVERSE CONTEST

During the Miss Universe 2022 broadcast, fans on Twitter claimed that the pageant was rigged, pointing out that JKN Global Group also owns the Miss USA pageant. Gabrielle became the first Filipina from America to win the title of Miss USA in the pageant last October. In December 2021, she was named Miss Texas USA.

Internet critics also claimed that the contest was manipulated in favor of the American contestant because it was held in the United States. The competition was held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Model, fashion designer and sewing instructor became the first American woman to win the pageant since Olivia Culpo became Miss Universe in 2012. First runner-up was Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel and Miss Dominican Republic Andreina Martinez finished second.

Gabriel’s victory at Miss USA also sparked controversy with many of the other contestants for the 28-year-old Houston native stating that they believed she was the beneficiary of “favoritism”. Many of the contestants left the stage after Gabrielle’s victory without congratulating her, breaking the tradition of beauty pageants.

“A lot of the girls felt like the organization planned from the start for R’Bonnie to win, no matter who else was competing,” Miss Missouri, Mikala McGee, told Insider at the time.

Although McGee was one of the members to leave the stage, she said the move was not intended to “knock down” Gabriel, but rather to “send a statement that we all have an idea that actually going on behind the scenes.”

“We felt disrespectful and flaunted the show,” McGee added.

More than a dozen contestants claimed the contest was rigged, citing instances where Gabriel appeared to receive “preferential treatment” and noting conflicts of interest.

Miss Universe organization suspended the then head of Miss USA Crystal Stewart and her Miss Brand Corp, which ran the pageant, pending an internal investigation.

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

Miss Montana, Heather Lee O’Keeffe, told NBC News that Gabriel “was allowed to do various moves on stage while we were all told to strictly follow the walking pattern the choreographer gave us.”

O’Keeffe continued, “She broke that rule and they let her do it. Her coaches were allowed to attend rehearsals, and anyone whose coach was outside of Miss Academy was not allowed to be there.”

For her part, Gabrielle denied the allegations in an October interview with E! News, telling the publication that the contest “was not rigged.”

“I would never enter any contest or contest that I am sure I will win,” Gabriel said. “I have a lot of honesty.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Read more about this story at FOX News.