In the idyllic surroundings of Fiji’s Pearl Resort & Spa, a beauty pageant crowned a new queen, but what seemed like a fairy tale quickly turned into a scandalous drama that captivated the public and raised serious questions about the integrity of such competitions.
Early victory
On a night full of glamour and anticipation, 24-year-old MBA student, Manshika Prasad, was announced Miss Fiji. Her victory was greeted with applause and celebration, signalling a bright future for the newly crowned queen as she prepared to represent Fiji at the Miss Universe competition in Mexico. But the joy did not last long.
Sudden reversal
Just days after she was crowned, the Miss Universe Fiji (MUF) Organisation issued a shocking press release. The announcement stated that there had been a “serious breach of principles” during the competition, leading to “revised results”. The bombshell event revealed that Ms Prasad would not be going to Mexico as expected. Instead, Nadine Roberts, a 30-year-old Sydney model of Fijian descent, was declared the new Miss Fiji.
The press release alleged Ms Prasad’s win was tainted by procedural errors, suggesting that voting was rigged in her favour because of financial incentives for the pageant’s manager. The claim pointed to a deeper, more disturbing layer to the story.
The allegations
Ms Prasad was stunned by the turn of events and announced her decision to take a break from social media. She hinted at undisclosed information surrounding the controversy, fuelling speculation and concern among her supporters and the public.
New titleholder Nadine Roberts expressed her gratitude and support for the pageant’s decision, but not everyone involved agreed with the sudden changes. Several judges and contestants expressed their dissatisfaction, feeling the situation was not fully transparent.
Behind the scenes
As the controversy deepened, it emerged that one of the judges, Riri Fabriani, was notably absent from the post-competition ceremonies. Fabriani, who represented Lux Projects, the company responsible for organising the Miss Universe event in Fiji, had ties to Jamie McIntyre, a businessman linked to Miss Roberts.
McIntyre, who was banned from business activities in Australia due to previous legal issues, was professionally and personally linked to Lux Projects. Allegations suggested that McIntyre’s influence may have affected the outcome of the competition. Lux Projects later claimed that an additional vote, which would have favoured Roberts, was not counted, leading to the disputed results.
Resolution
Amid the uproar, the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) intervened, conducting its own investigation into the matter. The MUO’s findings reinstated Miss Prasad as Miss Fiji 2024, restoring her status and reaffirming the integrity of the pageant.
For Ms Prasad, reinstatement was a significant relief and a victory over the controversy that had overshadowed her achievement. As she prepares to represent Fiji on the international stage, the scandal is a powerful reminder of the complex dynamics at play in high-profile beauty pageants.
Broader implications
The scandal highlights the significant stakes involved in beauty pageants, where personal ambitions, financial interests and public perception intertwine in dramatic ways. It underscores the importance of transparency and fairness in maintaining the credibility of such events.
In conclusion, the 2024 beauty pageant scandal has drawn attention not only to the inner workings of the beauty pageant industry, but also to the resilience of individuals like Manshika Prasad, who navigate the complexities of fame and competition with grace and determination.
