Catriona Gray’s Miss U runner-up Sthefany Gutiérrez throws hat in MGI All Stars
The Venezuelan woman who posed a threat on Catriona Gray’s claim on the Miss Universe title in 2018 is staging a pageant comeback through the MGI All Stars competition.
Miss Universe 2018 second runner-up Sthefany Gutiérrez’s participation in the inaugural edition of the groundbreaking global tilt was confirmed on the Miss Grand International social media pages close to midnight on Monday, April 13.
Gutiérrez was described as “a Venezuelan beauty queen, model, and public figure recognized for her elegance, confidence, and commanding stage presence.”
The post added: “Driven, resilient, and purpose-oriented, Sthefany embodies the spirit of a true All-Star. She continues to inspire others by promoting confidence, empowerment, and the belief that beauty goes hand in hand with strength and ambition.”
The announcement of Gutiérrez’s paticipation came just hours after MGI All Stars confirmed an addition to the judging panel, French-Lebanese musician Omar Harfouch, who made headlines at last year’s Miss Universe pageant.
He was the member of the selection committee for Thailand’s hosting of the 74th Miss Universe pageant who resigned just days before the final competition after alleging irregularities in the Miss Universe Organization’s (MUO) handling of the contest.
Harfouch claimed that an “impromptu jury” had already preselected the Top 30 and accused MUO President Raul Rocha of rigging the pageant. The organization clarified that what he might be referring to was the panel for “Beyond the Crown,” which was a separate group whose scope was outside of the coronation show.
After Mexico’s Fatima Bosch was crowned as the winner, Harfouch took to social media to demand that she give up her title, saying her victory had already been pre-determined. Rocha also happens to be Mexican.
Another selection committee member from the 74th Miss Universe pageant, who happened to have accomplished her duty at the final competition, is also joining the MGI All Stars judging panel — 2005 Miss Universe Natalie Glebova of Canada.
Three more judges have been confirmed — legendary Venezuelan queenmaker Osmel Sousa, 2022 Miss Grand International Isabella Menin of Brazil, and international Filipino shoe designer Jojo Bragais.
The first edition of MGI All Stars is scheduled to take place in Thailand next month, with five confirmed participants from the Philippines — 2022 Miss International Queen Fuschia Anne Ravena, 2025 Universal Woman Arabia Keylyn Trajano, reigning Noble Queen of the Universe Alexia Nuñez, 2016 Miss Philippines Earth Imelda Schweighart, and 2019 Miss Universe Philippines Gazini Ganados. /ra
