Shamcey Supsup shrugs off ‘unjust accusations’ against Miss Universe Philippines
(From left) MUPh creative and events director Jonas Gaffud, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, MUPh national director Shamcey Supsup, MUPh director of communications Voltaire Tayag. Image: Facebook/Shamcey Supsup
While many fans remain hyped up about the outcome, production value, and undisclosed “technical issues” of the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPh) pageant, its national director Shamcey Supsup-Lee appeared to brush aside criticisms, including “unjust accusations” as she expressed her pride towards the organization.
Days after the national tilt, Supsup took to her personal Facebook page on Monday, May 15, to thank the pageant’s fans and sponsors for being supportive of the organization despite their “incredibly challenging” experience leading to the coronation night on May 13.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported us throughout the Miss Universe Philippines journey. The saying, ‘When the going gets tough, the tough get going,’ truly resonates with us,” she began.
“It has been an incredibly challenging experience, and the trials we faced behind the scenes often went unnoticed. However, what makes me most proud is how our organization stayed strong in the face of unjust accusations,” she further said.
During the coronation night, MUPH drew flak after host Xian Lim suddenly announced that the Top 10 finalists have been disregarded due to “technical issues,” thus allowing the Top 18 semifinalists to compete in the evening gown competition.
Neither Supsup nor the MUPh organization has addressed the technical error, as of this writing.
The seeming silence on the matter led many to alleged that the competition was rigged to favor certain candidates, with some calling the tilt a “cooking show.” But Supsup maintained that the organization “remained steadfast in [its] values and integrity.”
“We have always remained steadfast in our values and integrity, never wavering from upholding what is right, regardless of the consequences,” she said. “I raise a toast to all those who believed in us and recognized our hard work and dedication to this platform. Now, it’s time to set our sights on the next stage! Cheers!”
‘Judges’ decision’
Supsup also congratulated Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, Miss Supranational Philippines 2023 Pauline Amelinckx, Miss Charm Philippines 2024 Krishnah Gravidez, and runners-up CJ Opiaza and Angelique Manto for a job well done in their performances, saying they’ve made the “judges’ decision” a difficult one.
“I’d also like to extend my appreciation to all the inspiring delegates in this batch. You’ve moved me in countless ways, and I believe that, regardless of having a crown, you’ve made a significant impact, particularly on those who have faith in you,” she added.
“Never forget, the Universe exists within each one of you. Persist in shining brightly, no matter where life’s path takes you,” she added.
Supsup’s posts, however, was met with adverse reactions on social media, with others accusing her and fellow MUPh executives Jonas Gaffud and Voltaire Tayag of mishandling the pageant.
Image: Screengrab from Facebook/Shamcey Supsup
Image: Screengrab from Facebook/Shamcey Supsup
Image: Screengrab from Facebook/Shamcey Supsup
Image: Screengrab from Facebook/Shamcey Supsup
Prior to being an MUPh executive, Supsup was the Philippines representative in Miss Universe 2011, where she finished as third runner-up, while Angola’s Leila Lopes emerged as the eventual winner.
The former beauty queen was announced as the pageant’s national director in December 2019, replacing former director Stella Araneta. The latter is currently the chairman of the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Incorporated (BPCI). EDV
