Controversy Unfolds as Nadine Roberts Officially Crowned Miss Universe Fiji 2024 After Shocking Mix-Up
In a dramatic turn of events, Nadine Roberts has officially been crowned Miss Universe Fiji 2024, following a shocking mix-up during the pageant's Gala Top Ten Finalists event. Held at the prestigious Pearl Resort & Spa, the event was intended to mark Fiji’s long-awaited return to the global Miss Universe stage after a 43-year hiatus. Instead, it became the center of controversy, sparking widespread discussion and debate.
Initially, the crown was mistakenly awarded to Manshika Prasad, a 24-year-old pursuing an MBA in Australia. The announcement, however, was the result of a procedural error and a rushed declaration by the event organizers. Nadine Roberts, a 30-year-old professional singer, commercial dancer, and property manager, who was originally announced as the runner-up, was devastated by the mistake. Unfortunately, this is not the first time Roberts has experienced such an error; she was previously wrongly announced as a runner-up in another competition.
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The error was discovered following an internal review of the voting process. The review revealed that a tie in votes had occurred, with the seven judges and the licensee holder’s vote resulting in four votes each for Prasad and Roberts. According to the rules, in the event of a tie, the licensee holder’s vote should have been counted to break the tie and determine the winner. However, the contracted organizer failed to follow this protocol, leading to the premature and incorrect announcement of the winner.
The Miss Universe Fiji licensee representative expressed disappointment over the incident, emphasizing that such errors tarnish the integrity of the event. Despite the controversy, the representative praised the high caliber of the contestants and expressed optimism about the future of the pageant, which is expected to grow stronger in the coming years.
Nadine Roberts, who is passionate about empowering young girls and women in Fiji, will now represent the country at the Miss Universe International Final in Mexico City later this year. Her mission is to inspire future generations by providing them with a platform to shine and reach their full potential. Despite the tumultuous experience, Roberts remains focused on her advocacy and is determined to make Fiji proud on the global stage.
The Miss Universe Fiji event, which brought together the nation’s elite from the hospitality, business, and fashion sectors, was otherwise a grand success. The evening featured dazzling performances, a lavish dinner, and a breathtaking fireworks display, all of which celebrated Fiji’s return to the Miss Universe platform.
As the dust settles, the pageant community is left reflecting on the importance of transparency and accuracy in such high-stakes competitions. Nadine Roberts’ journey to the crown has been anything but ordinary, but her resilience and dedication continue to inspire many. With her newly awarded title, she is set to carry the hopes of Fiji to the global stage, ready to make an impact in the upcoming Miss Universe competition in November.
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