Netizens are accusing the Miss Universe Philippines team of neglecting our representative, Celeste Cortesi, after failing to advance to the next round.
Netizens are wondering if the photos circulating online suggest the Miss Universe Philippines team left the competition venue in New Orleans. This was long before the coronation of Miss USA took place.
Last night, January 15, a screenshot of a conversation in which the alleged incident was discussed became viral.
Here are some of the netizens’ reactions:
I think this is true. Jonas and his team left after the top 16. If this is true, pls bring the Miss Universe franchise to BPCI. Madam Stella and the Bb. Pilipinas team know how to handle our beauty queens better than MUPH. Celeste, or anyone per ce doesn't deserve this. pic.twitter.com/HXdXafLXKk
— @TheShepherd (@AngManunupa) January 15, 2023
Unfair to conclude in just one video. Right after, kasama ni Celeste sina Mama J ah?
— #MarcosMagnanakaw (@chupsvarsi) January 16, 2023
Walang kasama. After the event Celeste was interviewed by Diane C. with no one but her family and friends. Walang anino ni Chonas at Shansi.
— @TheShepherd (@AngManunupa) January 16, 2023
See. In the midst na kailangan ni celeste nang support at comfort, dun sila nag si alisan. https://t.co/4GccR4e9kO
— ' JS1 MARCH 31 (@31taytay13) January 16, 2023
This is just sad. Full support bago ang main event pero after hindi na makapasok sa Top16 parang iniwan na lang talaga sa ere. https://t.co/TXxpdowVPK
— Jovy Ann Muslad (@AnnMuslad) January 16, 2023
Ohmygod? Rumor or not hindi dapat iniiwan ng organization ang kanilang delegate especially in bad times? This is hard not to believe especially with the flack the MUPh organizers received ever since its establishment 💩 such a shitty move https://t.co/kw68XX9XzU
— Ram (@RAMycardia) January 16, 2023
Because of such a controversy, some netizens are now urging that the Miss Universe franchise be returned to its former holder, Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc.
https://twitter.com/OhMercMarcV2/status/1614837287287943170
if this rumor is true then FUCK U @shamcey and @Jonas, pakibalik ang franchise sa BPCI #MissUniverse2022 #Celeste pic.twitter.com/dBwFVDcbTk
— BenjaMine (@Gaslighter0519) January 15, 2023
Gets ko feelings niyo, ok. Pero if isyu niyo ang MUPH leadership, pweds naman magbago ng standalone org. Dont like the idea na ibalik sa BBP since di na sila aligned w MUO esp regarding inclusivity. Bawal pa rin sa kanila trans contestants, married women and women w children https://t.co/e0OAedve3N
— Momo (@hoyramona) January 15, 2023
Strengthening the suspicion of netizens that Cortesi was indeed neglected, is the statement of a vlogger named Adam, who was present during the event.
He confirmed that the team led by Gaffud and Supsup walked out, but a member tried to get in touch with Cortesi right after the Top 16 announcement. He also confirmed that only Celeste’s boyfriend and her mother were around to stay with her.
Statement from Sir Adam! Grabe kayo MUPH! #CelesteCortesi #MissUniversePhilippines pic.twitter.com/ihhY79CCh3
— Mahika (@yukitoo_1) January 15, 2023
Meanwhile, “Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2014, Mary Jean Lastimosa, clarified that she was not one of those people who allegedly left the Ernest N. Memorial Center straight away after the announcement of the Top 16.
“Sobrang walang comprehension ng mga tao here huhu ��� pano ko po iiwan si Celeste Anjan po sya sa backstagetill the pageant ends, Wala po pwedeng umalis. And Di rin po ako Pwede sa backstage Anong gagawin ko? Juskwa kayo! Ayan zinozoom in ko pa sya, “ she tweeted, providing a photo of Cortesi on the stage, which she took herself.
Sobrang walang comprehension ng mga tao here huhu 🥲 pano ko po iiwan si Celeste Anjan po sya sa backstagetill the pageant ends, Wala po pwedeng umalis. And Di rin po ako Pwede sa backstage Anong gagawin ko? Juskwa kayo! Ayan zinozoom in ko pa sya. https://t.co/Mq5VIN2my3 pic.twitter.com/nmKFjI2XyI
— MJ Lastimosa (@MJ_Lastimosa) January 15, 2023
Shamcey Supsup, the national director of the MU-Philippines released a statement, where she paid tribute to Cortesi for fighting and doing her part for the country. Similarly, Jonas Gaffud, creative director of the organization, simply expressed his adoration for Cortesi.
Supsup stated, “You fought bravely to raise the Filipino flag on that stage and what truly matters is that you gave it your all and made your country proud. This experience is truly a lesson in humility. It is a way to remind all of us to stay grounded for we are all created equal.”
“Walang essay. Get over it, lang. Happy life lang. I adore you Celeste Cortesi, “ posted Gaffud on Facebook, skipping the long explanation for what may have gone wrong that led to the Philippine bet’s loss.
As of this writing, there has been no official statement yet released by the Miss Universe Philippines organization to disprove the claim.
