Michelle Dee. Images: Instagram/@themissuniverseph, X/@Dainsleif_10
The Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) organization has clarified that Michelle Dee was “escorted from a line-up in a TV guesting” in Mexico due to sickness.
MUPH’s explanation came days after a video of Dee being allegedly led out of a stage went viral on social media.
During a TV appearance, Dee was seen standing on the podium with her fellow candidates, Miss Universe Organization (MUO) owner Anne Jakrajutatip, and a businessman. A woman then came forward to whisper to the business moguls before she approached Dee. The Filipina was then escorted out of the venue.
The video made rounds on social media as some fan accounts reuploaded it on their pages. This, while the global tilt has been drawing backlash from pageant watchers due to allegations of mistreatment on Dee.
Michelle left the venue because she was not feeling well. #DEE5TINY #MichelleDee #mmdverse #MMD #MissUniverse2023 #ForDEEUniverse #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/TqeFDAN2Lq
— Yashael 👑❣️📸 (@Dainsleif_10) November 20, 2023
The MUPH denied accusations they are not treating Dee well.
“The segment was done by the time she exited. Michelle had to excuse herself to drink water because she wasn’t feeling well due to past week’s tedious back-to-back schedule,” MUPH said in a statement posted on Instagram last Tuesday, Nov. 21.
The organization pointed out that it was the best option for the beauty queen – considering her prevailing condition at the time – so she could “get some rest.”
“Upon seeing her condition, the MUPH team decided that it was best for [Dee] to go back to the hotel to get some rest,” it said. “Michelle hopes to join the city tour today as long as she feels better. Please wish that she gets well soon.”
On her Instagram Broadcast Channel, Dee also clarified that she’s doing “okay” and there’s “no need” for fans to worry. “Umuwi na ako pabalik ng hotel (I went back to the hotel). Can’t afford to get even more sick before heading back home. Healthy dapat pag nakita ko kayo (I need to be healthy when I see you).”
Image: Screengrab from Instagram Broadcast Channel/@michelledee
“But your girl Dora is okay. No need to worry. All love,” she said, referring to herself using her nickname.
Meanwhile, a video of the actress-beauty queen’s recent interaction with Jakrajutatip also drew backlash from pageant fans on social media, including Dee’s close friend Rhian Ramos. In the video, the MUO owner allegedly said, “Cannot move on” in Thai.
As of this writing, the MUO has yet to issue a statement regarding the context of the two controversial videos.