Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray is being accused of not showing support for the Philippines’ representative to the global beauty pageant, Rabiya Mateo, after she posted about it being Miss Universe season once again.
In the caption she originally wrote, Catriona said: “And just like that, it’s @missuniverse season again! I think it’s such an amazing feat that the delegates from around the world have been able to be present in Florida, USA having overcome all the challenges that I’m sure they and their team faced!”
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“So shoutout to all the contestants, their teams and families who have helped in allowing each woman to strive for her @missuniverse dreams despite the current climate!” she continued. “Seeing all the arrival looks so I’m reminiscing my own arrival look in Thailand. (Definitely one of my favorites!)”
She then asked at the end: “Who are you all cheering for?”
Fans then expressed disappointment that the beauty queen did not at least mention Rabiya in her post as a sign of standing behind her as a fellow Filipina. Some even compared her to Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach who was said to have been very vocal about her support for Rabiya throughout her journey for the coveted title.
In response to these allegations, Catriona said that she has been in talks with Rabiya in private.
“I’ve reached out to @rabiyamateo throughout her journey privately. Not everything is on display on social media,” she stated.
“I’m a Filipina AND a Miss Universe. It’s a celebration of women from all over the world,” she reminded fans in a separate comment to another netizen.
Rabiya is currently preparing for the finals night on Sunday, May 16 (Monday, May 17 in Manila time). It will be held at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, United States.
(ALSO READ: LOOK: Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo Flaunts Gown Inspired By National Flag)
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