(From left) Kylie Verzosa and Anne Jakrajutatip. Images: Instagram/@kylieverzosa, @annejkn.official
It was Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa’s turn to share her two cents on the leaked video involving Miss Universe Organization (MUO) co-owner Anne Jakrajutatip, saying she found the incident to be “quite disappointing” since pageants are a platform for women to “fight for a bigger cause.”
In an interview with entertainment journalist MJ Marfori which was shared on Tiktok, Verzosa was asked to give her comment on the issue hounding Jakrajutatip where the latter was caught on video saying the MUO’s efforts to promote inclusivity were merely a “communication strategy.” Jakrajutatip later on claimed the video was “manipulated” to besmirch her reputation.
“For me, it’s quite disappointing because when I join an organization, I really truly believe in the platform and what it truly stands for. Not just for show but who they are, because my advocacy is totoo sa’kin (true to me) and that’s what I [really] stand for,” said the 2016 Miss International titleholder.
The beauty queen-turned-actress’ statement appeared to share the sentiments of other beauty queens who were upset by Jakrajutatip’s remarks in the video.
“I want the organization I joined to be truthful and very honest as well. I do agree with some queens that it’s very disappointing and upsetting, and I hope they fix it. I hope the organization itself clarifies it,” she said.
Despite the incident, Verzosa said she still believes in pageants as a platform for women to share their advocacies on a bigger scale.
“At the end of the day, I still believe in pageants. I still believe it’s a good platform for women to showcase who they are. I want to keep that platform alive holistically and fight for a bigger cause talaga,” she said.
Verzosa was the sixth Filipina to be crowned Miss International in 2016 after Bea Santiago (2013), Precious Lara Quigaman (2005), Melanie Marquez (1979), Aurora Pijuan (1970), and Gemma Cruz (1964).
Last March, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray previously called for the MUO’s accountability regarding the incident although she clarified that she’s unsure if the organization took responsibility for it.
Jakrajutatip earlier declared she’s taking legal action against “fake news and smear campaigns” in an attempt to tarnish her media conglomerate JKN Global Group concerning the Miss Universe (MU) Coin controversy.