Miss Universe denies participation of Saudi Arabia in 2024 pageant
The Miss Universe Organization has shut down claims that Saudi Arabia has put forward a contestant in this year's pageant.
In March, beauty queen Rumy Alqahtani announced on Instagram that she would be the Kingdom's first delegate in the international competition's 73-year history.
The pageant's organizers, however, have denied this in a statement posted to their website on April 1.
"We would like to categorically state that no selection process has been conducted in Saudi Arabia, and any such claims are false and misleading," the Miss Universe Organization said.
Miss Universe website
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It added that over 100 contestants of different nationalities will be part of the 2024 competition, but Saudi Arabia is "not yet" among the countries to be represented in the upcoming pageant as it is still undergoing a vetting process.
"Saudi Arabia will not have this opportunity to join our prestigious pageant until this is final and confirmed by our approval committee," the organization stated.
Alqahtani is a fashion model and pageant patty, having competed in Miss Planet International in Cambodia, Miss Woman International Beauty Contest in Rome, Miss Global Asian in Malaysia, and many more.
She announced her alleged Miss Universe journey on March 25, writing "I am honored to participate in the Miss Universe International 2024 competition."
"This is the first participation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Miss Universe competition," the beauty queen claimed.
The upcoming Miss Universe 2024 pageant will be held in Mexico with Nicaragua's Sheynnis Palacios crowning her successor.