Michelle Dee. Image: Instagram/@themissuniverseph
Most Filipinos haven’t recovered from the saddening outcome of Miss Universe 2023, as Philippine contender Michelle Dee failed to secure a spot in the Top 5 of the competition.
Now, a recent video is circulating online showing Miss Universe Organization owner Anne Jakrajutatip talking to Dee in Thai and allegedly saying the words, “Cannot Move On.”
The netizens took the interaction as an insult on behalf of Dee, especially since the actress-beauty queen is still recovering from the loss.
One of Dee’s closest friends in the entertainment industry, Rhian Ramos, shared the same sentiments with the fans, acknowledging that the video is disrespectful towards her friend.
In an Instagram story, Ramos shared a portion of the viral video with the caption, “I don’t like how this looks. My stomach is turning. Ewan ko. Buti marespeto yung kaibigan ko, eh sila? Ewan. Kayo na lang ang humusga. Tap niyo for the full, uncomfortable video.”
Rhian Ramos shares thoughts over the viral video | via @whianwamos IG
However, a teacher in Thailand commented on the IG post. In her translation of Jakrajutatip’s words, she said the MOU owner was addressing Thai fans.
“Sabi nya, Stop saying can’t move on and that she’ll make a song titled ‘Can’t Move On’ dahil madaming di maka move on na Thai fans. Sabi nya rin huwag na daw magalit sa kanya mga Thai kasi good for Thailand naman daw ang result, be happy nalang daw.”
However, the Filipino teacher in Thailand also wondered why Jakrajutatip had to bring along Dee to address Thai fans.
Image from Instagram
Ramos was also in doubt of the results of the competition as she tweeted “Something Fishy” on her personal X (formerly Twitter) account.
Fans are lamenting on the internet, saying that Dee is “being used for views” as the Philippines is a big supporter of beauty pageants, contributing to the majority of online interaction, from tweets to views.
Escorted out
In one video making the rounds of social media, Dee can be seen standing on the podium along with other candidates, Miss Universe Organization owner Anne Jakrajutatip, and another man in a suit. Jakratutatip can be seen motioning for a woman behind the camera to come forward, and after whispering to the woman, the latter then approached Dee, and she was led out.
tinatarando namaman tayo. hayyyy ginagamit nyo si MMD para may manood. boycott na MU. the org doesnt deserve our love and support. puro Latina nasa top5.pakaboring
— kilikilifetish (@crazyivanboy1) November 20, 2023
Others are urging the actress to return to the Philippines as they can no longer sit through the uncomfortable treatment she’s receiving abroad.
Lakas maka MGI gamit na gamit na naman ang pinas, MMD you need to go home na. Never again
— sen (@senrimiguel) November 20, 2023
Despite the discouraging turnout of the competition, it is undeniable that Dee delivered an impressive performance after bringing the Philippines back to the Top 10.
The 28-year-old is also among the gold winners of the “Voice of Change” and the “Spirit of Carnival” special awards.
Filipino-blooded R’Bonney Gabriel of the United States officially passed the crown to Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua as Miss Universe 2023.