Miss Universe reportedly suspends Miss USA organizers amid accusastions of rigged pageant
The Miss Universe Organization has suspended the organizers of the Miss USA pageant after facing allegations that the recent pageant, which crowned Fil-Am R'Bonney Gabriel, was rigged.
According to internal emails obtained by Daily Mail and reports from Fox News Digital and the Washington Times, the suspension was slapped on Miss Brand Corp., the company that organized the pageant. The organizer is directed by Miss USA 2008 Crystle Stewart.
"After thorough deliberation, Miss Universe Organization has decided to suspend Miss Brand immediately," the company told Fox News Digital. "Miss Universe Organization will be taking over the Miss USA program while a comprehensive, third-party investigation is conducted. The investigation will be led by the law firm Holland & Knight, and the findings will be used as the basis for the appropriate action."
"We are appreciative of the cooperation from [Stewart] as we work through the process. Our commitment to contestants and fans is our priority, and we will keep them top of mind as we move forward."
Miss USA contestants earlier spoke up, alleging Gabriel was favored throughout the contest. This was after one of the major sponsors, NIZUC, posted a video of Gabriel enjoying the resort when it hasn't been 24 hours since her win.
In an interview with the DailyMail, Miss Missouri Mikala McGhee also claimed the win was pre-determined in an effort to engage the Filipina community.
The judges and the Fil-Am beauty denied this, maintaining there was no favoritism that occurred.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Stewart said she is "eager for all of the claims to be disproven."
"The facts will speak for themselves; ultimately putting all contestants' minds at ease once and for all that this was indeed a fair pageant," she said.
Gabriel was crowned Miss USA on Oct. 4.