Miss Universe denies Saudi Arabian candidate joining pageant
Rumy Alqahtani will reportedly represent Saudi Arabia in Miss Universe 2024, however, it has been denied by the Miss Universe organization. Image: Instagram/@rumy_alqahtani
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) denied reports of Saudi Arabia sending a representative in the upcoming global tilt, saying that “no selection process” was made to determine whether she qualifies for the pageant.
The 27-year-old Rumy Alqahtani made headlines after she announced on her Instagram page on March 25 that she was “honored” to be named the Arab country’s “first representative” for Miss Universe 2024.
In her post, the beauty queen could be seen posing with the national flag of Saudi Arabia in her sparkly tube gown and tiara.
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In a statement, however, the Miss Universe Organization debunked Alqahtani’s announcement for being “false and misleading,” citing the lack of proper selection process in the country.
“We would like to categorically state that no selection process was conducted in Saudi Arabia, and any such claims are false and misleading,” the statement read. “The selection of contestants to represent their respective countries in the Miss Universe competition is a rigorous process that adheres strictly to our policies and guidelines.”
The pageant organization pointed out that candidates must go through its “criteria and regulations” to ensure “fairness and transparency” is made, before they will represent their country.
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“While Saudi Arabia is not yet among these countries fully confirmed participating this year, we are currently undergoing a rigorous vetting process qualifying a potential candidate to be awarded the franchise and assigned national director to represent,” MUO added.
The MUO statement further said the Middle East nation’s participation remains void until its approval committee gave its seal of approval. “Saudi Arabia will not have this opportunity to join our prestigious pageant until this is final and confirmed by our approval committee.”
“As we prepare for the upcoming edition of the Miss Universe contest in Mexico, we are proud to announce that we will welcome over 100 contestants from various nationalities around the world,” it continued, saying it will continue to promote “diversity and inclusivity” in its upcoming edition.
Alqahtani has yet to comment on MUO’s statement, as of this writing.
Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua is the reigning Miss Universe titleholder after her coronation in El Salvador in November 2023.
Meanwhile, the Philippines will select its representative for the 2024 edition of the global tilt on May 22.
