The recent Miss Universe 2023 pageant has sparked widespread discussion following the unexpected exit of Filipina beauty queen Michelle Dee. Notably, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ronan Farrow expressed his disappointment over Dee’s departure from the competition, suggesting that she was unfairly treated. Farrow, known for his investigative work on the Harvey Weinstein scandal, took to social media to voice his support for Dee, stating she was left “shaking and crying” after the event.
Dee’s early exit, after making it to the Top 10, was met with dismay from her fans, including celebrities Rhian Ramos, Kylie Padilla, and Max Collins. The situation was further complicated by a social media post that briefly suggested Dee had made it to the Top 5, only for the image to be replaced with Anntonia Porsild’s. This incident, which occurred on the Miss Universo El Salvador’s official Instagram account, was quickly rectified but raised questions among followers.
The controversy intensified as many netizens echoed the sentiment that Dee was “robbed” of her chance to win the crown, especially after being excluded from the Top 5. Despite the outpour of support and claims of unfair treatment, the Miss Universe Organization has not yet released a statement addressing these allegations.