This is what Catriona Gray shared amid the issues in the organization.
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray shares her thoughts and what she feels about the current state of the Miss Universe brand.
From walkouts to crowning, the Miss Universe 2025 pageant had been filled with controversies. This year’s Miss Universe was no stranger to drama. Early in the competition, Miss Universe Thailand launched a “Top 10 Special Dinner & Talk Show with Queen Victoria and Mr. Nawat,” which earned a loud buzz online, Miss Mexico walking out, Miss Jamaica falling off the stage, and others.
The organization is currently in a disheartening situation, and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray spoke about the matter.
In an interview with Karen Davila, the Miss Universe 2018 titleholder expressed that she is saddened that the pageant seems to have lost some of the elements that once made it a more meaningful platform.
She expresses her disappointment as both a former pageant participant and a long-time pageant fan who holds high expectations for the industry. She believed that the pageant has the power to create positive change and serve as a platform for advocacy; however, she felt that this has been lost gradually.
“I’ve always wanted to see the brand elevate and to be a platform for spokeswoman. Now to see that it’s really lost that essence, I’m really disheartened ’cause it also feels like the work that I push for during my year is also lost,” she remarked.
Catriona also noted that management-related issues have diverted attention from the candidates and their advocacies.
She added that the public attention has shifted away from the contestants themselves and toward issues of mismanagement within the organization. This resulted in personal stories, motivations, and advocacies of the candidates being overlooked, even though many of them join pageantry with genuine intentions and a strong desire to make a positive impact.
She says she is saddened by the situation but still hopeful for a positive turnaround in the coming years. At present, though, she acknowledges feeling disappointed, much like many pageant supporters.
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