Two days after the crowning of the new queen of the most prestigious beauty pageant in the world, another controversy arose as viral videos of the Philippines’ candidate Michelle Dee and Miss Universe Organization owner Anne Jakrajutatip circulated online, which sparked allegations of mistreatment against the said owner.
A Facebook live clip of Jakrajutatip talking to Dee in Thai, with “move on” being the only distinguishable English words has been the talk of the town for a few days now. Afterwards, Jakrajutatip followed her and they hugged after Dee walked away from the camera.
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As of the moment, the translation of the video remains unverified and it is still unclear if it was accurate.
Legit Translation #missuniverse2023 #michelledee #thailand #MMD pic.twitter.com/W1KdH1uw5P
— ThailingualPH (@thailingualph) November 21, 2023
However, it is known that there has been ongoing controversy regarding the judging of the event, with the former actress giving a solid pageant performance during the competition but was unable to break into the Top 5. Thailand’s bet Anntonia Porslid ended as the first-runner up of this year’s edition.
Alongside this video is another clip of Dee apparently exiting the show earlier than expected after which earned furious reactions from Filipinos. Dee and other contestants are lined up for a photo-op but a staff appears and asks her to accompany her while the others converse and laugh as they pose for photos.
Okay! Chismis! Kayo na bahala humusga! @michellemdee umuwi ka na please! #MissUniverse2023 pic.twitter.com/wNU5CPbhUR
— Miss Universe Philippines Fans (@PageantPH) November 20, 2023
“Suddenly felt so lightheaded so i’m going back to the hotel! Don’t feel so well after that first media guesting,” sent by Dee in her “Hey, MMDVERSE!” broadcast channel on Instagram. “Iykyk [If you know what I mean],” she follows but eventually deletes the message, although it is uncertain what is she pertaining to.
With this, fans were outraged with these recent developments with the majority stating that Jakrajutatip was disrespectful and that Dee deserves better treatment.
However, some stressed to other disappointed viewers to refrain from transphobic and racist remarks.
Meanwhile, according to other users, they explained the country’s bet’s segment had already been finished when the beauty queen felt under the weather causing her to leave the show earlier than the other representatives.
Earlier that day, the Miss Universe contestant also posted a cryptic tweet on X (formerly Twitter), giving appreciation to the Filipinos who supported her.
Salamat. 🙏🏻 Alam niyo na bakit.
— MMD (@michellemdee) November 20, 2023
“Salamat. 🙏🏻 Alam niyo na bakit [Thank you. 🙏🏻 You already know why],” said Dee without mentioning a specific issue or event.
In response to the video blowing up, Dee’s close friend and actress Rhian Ramos and Miss Grand Philippines 2021 Samantha Panlilio expressed their thoughts on Instagram.
“I don’t like how this looks. My stomach is turning. Ewan ko. Buti marespeto yung kaibigan ko, eh sila?” Ramos stated in one of her stories. “Ewan. Kayo na lang ang humusga. Tap niyo for the full, uncomfortable video.”
The beauty queen also replied on a post with the hashtag #wmmmo, which apparently means “Walang magmo-move on,” and “charot,” a Filipino slang for just kidding. Her comments are seemingly deleted as well.
Despite being unable to enter the Top 5 of the competition, Dee won the “Spirit of Carnival” award, a Gold winner of the “Voice for Change” as well as the winner of the MU App Top Fan voting.
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