MUPH confirms Imelda Schweighart’s exit hours before coronation show

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Just hours before its 2026 coronation, the Miss Universe Philippines Organization (MUPH) and beauty queen Imelda Schweighart confirmed their mutual decision regarding the latter’s exit from the national pageant. 

In a statement posted on MUPH’s official social media pages on Saturday, May 2, before the coronation night at the Mall of Asia Arena, both parties emphasized that the decision was mutually agreed upon.

“Ms. Schweighart has officially resigned from the 2026 Miss Universe Philippines competition. This was a professional decision mutually reached by both parties after careful consideration,” the statement read.

The pageant organization clarified that the separation was amicable. “Ms. Schweighart and MUPh affirm that there is no hostility between them,” it added.

Schweighart expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete, while the organization likewise thanked her for her participation and wished her well in her future endeavors.

“Both parties now consider this matter fully settled and respectfully request privacy as they move forward with their respective endeavors,” the statement concluded.

The announcement comes after weeks of speculation linking Schweighart to an earlier MUPH statement about a delegate who had been disqualified from the competition due to “certain behaviors.”

At the time, social media posts pointed to Schweighart, who was representing Kalibo, Aklan, although insiders later clarified to Inquirer Entertainment that the unnamed delegate in the initial statement was a different contestant.

Amid the rumors, Schweighart was then introduced as a candidate in the “All Stars” edition of the Miss Grand International, further fueling speculation about her status in Miss Universe Philippines 2026. /edv