Rumy Alqahtani
NALOKA ang mga pageant fans mula sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng mundo dahil sa naglabasang balita tungkol sa pagsali umano ng Saudi Arabia sa Miss Universe 2024.
Mismong ang beauty pageant veteran at social media influencer na si Rumy Alqahtani ang nag-announce na siya raw ang magiging representative ng Saudi Arabia sa naturang international pageant.
Marami ang natuwa at na-excite sa naturang balita dahil ito nga sana ang kauna-unahang pagkakataon na lalaban sa Miss Universe ang Saudi Arabia.
Ngunit makalipas ang ilang araw ay naglabas ang Miss Universe Organization (MUO) ng official statement tungkol sa isyung ito.
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Base sa pahayag ng MUO sa New York Times journalist na si Vivian Nereim, wala raw itong katotohanan.
“Miss Universe Organization would like to address recent reports claiming the participation of a contestant representing Saudi Arabia in this year’s competition.
“We would like to categorically state that no selection process has been conducted in Saudi Arabia, and any such claims are false and misleading.
“The selection of contestants to represent their respective countries in the Miss Universe competition is a rigorous process that adheres strictly to our policies and guidelines.
“Each country’s selection is carried out in accordance with established criteria and regulations, ensuring fairness and transparency in the selection of participants.
“As we prepare for the upcoming edition of the Miss Universe contest in Mexico, we are proud to announce that we will welcome over 100 contestants from various nationalities around the world.
“We are committed to showcasing diversity and inclusivity on our global stage, celebrating the beauty and talents of women from all walks of life,” ang bahagi ng MUO statement.
Paglilinaw pa, kasalukuyan nasa vetting process pa ang pag-award ng franchise at pagpili ng national director ng Saudi Arabia.
“While Saudi Arabia is not yet among those countries fully confirmed participating this year, we are currently undergoing a rigorous vetting process qualifying a potential candidate to be awarded the franchise and assigned national director to represent.
“Saudi Arabia will not have this opportunity to join our pageant until this is final and confirmed by our approval committee,” sabi pa ng MUO.
Si Rumy ang itinanghal na Miss Arab World 2021 kaya siya rin ang rumampa sa Miss World 2021 pageant mula sa Saudi Arabia.
Sa kanyang Instagram profile, makikita ang iba pang beauty pageant na kanyang sinalihan at napagwagian, kabilang na riyan ang Miss Arab Peace, Miss Woman Saudi Arabia at Miss Europe Saudi Arabia.
Nanalo rin siya sa Miss Planet Saudi Arabia, Miss Middle East Saudi Arabia, Miss Arab Unity Saudi Arabia, at Miss Asia Saudi Arabia.
Mababasa sa Instagram post ni Rumy noong March 25, “Honored to participate in Miss Universe 2024.
“This is the first participation of Saudi Arabia in the Miss Universe competition,” aniya pa gamit ang mga hashtag #missuniversesaudiarabia at #miss_universe_saudi_arabia.