Miss Universe Organization parts ways with Crystle Stewart of Miss USA, Miss Teen USA
The Miss Universe Organization has ended its partnership with Crystle Stewart, the national president of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA.
The MUO announced the news in a statement as it expressed its gratitude to Crystle, who bagged the Miss USA title in 2008, for her valuable contributions to the organization over the years.
"As a stakeholder in the Miss USA brand, Crystle and her team enhanced prize packages, increased visibility of titleholders, secured a remarkable location for the Miss USA pageant, and strengthened brand partnerships," an MUO spokesperson said.
They described her as "a trusted friend of the organization" and an "exemplary titleholder" who has made her dedication and commitment to the MUO and the USA pageants shine throughout her stint.
This came months after she and her company Miss Brand were accused by last year's Miss USA candidates of rigging the competition to "favor" R'Bonney Gabriel, who also won the highly coveted Miss Universe crown in 2022. "A lot of the girls felt like it was the organization's plan from the beginning for R'Bonney to win, no matter who else was competing," Miss Missouri, Mikala McGhee, previously told Insider. During the Fil-Am beauty queen's crowning moment, some candidates “walked off” the stage as a “protest.”
R'bonney also addressed the accusations in her pre-pageant interview for the 71st Miss Universe. “After I won, there were just a few false allegations that it was rigged so it was detrimental to my mindset going forward for Miss USA—that it was in the public eye. It was very sad for me for people to think that I would've lie[d] my way to get here after all the hard work.”
In the same statement, the MUO said they found the allegations against Crystle false "after a thorough and extensive investigation."
"Sincere gratitude to Crystle and the entire Miss Brand staff and employees for their unwavering cooperation and transparency throughout the entire investigation. Their willingness to provide full assistance and support during that challenging time is a testament to their professionalism and integrity," the organization continued.
The MUO, however, said that even after "much discussion and consideration," the two parties "were unable to reach an agreement as to Crystle and Miss Brand’s continuing involvement with Miss USA and the Miss Universe Organization."
For her part, MUO president Paula Shugart expressed her appreciation for Crystle, who "has been a close part of the Miss Universe family, from her own pageant days through the many challenges of this past year at Miss USA."
"We appreciate her help in moving us through this tough time, and wish her much luck and success on her future projects. We can’t wait to see what’s next for her and for Miss Brand,” she added.