Venezuelan Sthefany Gutierrez withdraws from MGI All-Stars
From being “the one to beat,” Venezuelan stunner Sthefany Gutierrez became “the one who left” when she announced that she was no longer pushing through with her participation in MGI All-Stars.
Filipino beauty queen Catriona Gray’s 2018 Miss Universe second runner-up became an immediate frontrunner when her inclusion in the groundbreaking international pageant was confirmed on April 13.
The announcement of Gutierrez’s participation in the competition among international pageant veterans came after 2019 Miss Universe Philippines Gazini Ganados’ inclusion was confirmed.
READ: Nawat Itsaragrisil sets ultimatum for Venezuela’s Sthefany Gutierrez
In an Instagram post that showed her statements written in both Spanish and English, the Venezuelan beauty confirmed earlier reports that she was indeed backing out of the competition.
“This has been a deeply considered decision, based on my personal and family responsibilities, which at this moment require my full attention and dedication,” Gutierrez said.
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“This was not an easy decision. Representing Venezuela has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and my love for Miss Grand International–for everything this organization stands for and for the community it has built around the world remains unchanged,” she continued.
Nawat Itsaragrisil, president of the Miss Grand International Organization that is mounting MGI All-Stars, had earlier set an ultimatum on Gutierrez for her to confirm whether she would still be continuing or not.
Gutierrez cited Miss Grand International’s “unwavering commitment to excellence” as one of the reasons for her withdrawal. “I want to ensure Venezuela is represented by someone who can give this competition everything it deserves fully and without limitation,” she said.
Earlier reports claimed that she was stepping away because of emotional and mental distress following the hacking of her Instagram account that already had millions of followers.
“To my fans, to the pageant community, and to every single person who has shown me love and support throughout this journey your warmth means everything to me,” Gutiérrez said.
“I have full confidence that Venezuela will be brilliantly represented, and I will be cheering with pride from wherever life has me in that moment. My dream of being part of All Stars has not faded. I hope to have the opportunity to make it a reality in a future edition,” she continued.
Miss Venezuela National Directors Esteban Velásquez and Jacqueline Aguilera are reportedly scrambling to find an immediate replacement for Gutierrez. The candidates are expected to arrive in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 16 and 17.
Successive preliminary competitions are set on May 27 and 28 at the MGI Hall in Bangkok, while the “Grand Final” will be held in the same venue on May 30.
Aside from Ganados, four more entries are from the Philippines–Keylyn Trajano, Alexia Nuñez, Imelda Schweighart, and 2022 Miss International Queen Fuschia Anne Ravena. /edv
