Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray looked back on the much-talked-about public apology extended to her by former Miss Universe Organization owner Anne Jakrajutatip, describing the moment as “very performative.”
In her recent interview with broadcast journalist Karen Davila, Gray addressed lingering questions from pageant fans regarding the incident that took place during the 2022 “Miss Universe Extravaganza” event in Thailand.
“When we were in Thailand kasi, it was like a Miss Universe event. Tapos she was the owner at that time, which I’m not certain if she is anymore? Tapos we had like a…it was called the ‘Miss Universe Extravaganza’ or something. So Miss Mexico is also there, si Andrea [Meza], and a few other former Miss Universe winners, and contestants as well,” Gray recounted.
She said that prior to going on stage, there was no private conversation between them.
“Tapos I was behind like stage with her and the girls and she didn’t say anything to me. But then, on stage, I can’t even recall now ‘cause it was like three years ago…but she said something and then pulled me in for hug and it felt like very performative…”
Gray questioned why the gesture had to be done publicly.
“‘Cause I’m like, ‘could have happened backstage…pero kailangan nasa harap ng lahat ng may cameras?’ So like, I don’t necessarily have context on what it was about. It’s just the only thing that sticks with me now…’cause like I thought it was very performative that it was done in front of everyone, and not properly explained behind-the scenes,” she added.
The public apology previously drew attention amid speculation linking Jakrajutatip to Gray’s former boyfriend, Clint Bondad, although the Thai businesswoman later denied any romantic involvement.
Asked if she sought clarification afterward, Gray said she did not feel the need to.
“No, but also it doesn’t really bother me, siguro, like, I wasn’t together with my ex when all that happened. So like, ano’ng pake ko diyan? I don’t really care,” she said.
In the same interview, Gray also spoke candidly about her breakup with Sam Milby, sharing that the actor realized he “wasn’t ready to take it to the stage of commitment that we thought we were on” despite having proposed.
