MANILA — In response to the widely circulated video depicting Michelle Dee’s removal from a TV guesting line-up in Mexico City, Miss Universe Philippines has issued an official statement shedding light on the incident.
The local beauty pageant organization took to Instagram to address the matter, emphasizing that Michelle had already concluded her segment by the time she exited the line-up.
The statement explained that Michelle, feeling unwell due to a strenuous back-to-back schedule in the preceding week, had taken a break to drink water.
Subsequently, the MUPH team decided to prioritize her well-being and escorted her back to the hotel for rest.
The statement conveyed Michelle’s desire to participate in the city tour if her health permitted, urging pageant enthusiasts to extend their good wishes for her speedy recovery.
Despite an invitation to join the Miss Universe delegation in Mexico for upcoming engagements, a twist unfolded as a video surfaced on social media, capturing Miss Universe owner Anne Jakrajutatip calling an associate to remove Michelle from the line-up during the TV guesting.
Michelle took to her Instagram broadcast channel to express sentiments of “love, empathy, & kindness over everything” and hinted at needing a therapeutic procedure, colloquially referred to as a “drip drip.” She shared her surprise at Mexico’s chilly weather, posting a photo seeking warmth in sunlight and leaving followers with the enigmatic quote, “Success will always be the best revenge.”
In subsequent updates, Miss Universe Philippines clarified that Michelle had indeed joined the Mexico City tour but had to cut it short due to health concerns. Michelle, in her broadcast, disclosed her early return to the hotel, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good health before heading back home.
Despite health setbacks, Michelle Dee secured a spot in the Top 10 of the Miss Universe 2023 pageant and clinched three special awards. The coveted crown went to Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios, capping off the event with a mix of triumphs and unforeseen challenges for the Filipino beauty queen.
(JR AMIGO/AI/MNM)
