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Miss Grand International founder calls Nikki de Moura 'very unprofessional,' says PH chose wrong candidate
Miss Grand International founder Nawat Itsaragrisil called Miss Grand Philippines 2023 Nikki de Moura “very unprofessional,” saying that the candidate did not go back on stage after failing to make it to the pageant’s Top 20.
According to a report by Pep, Nawat has been receiving criticism from Filipino pageant fans after Nikki did not make it to the international pageant’s first cut.
The report also highlighted that, since its establishment in 2013, no Filipina candidate has won the Miss Grand International title. This has led some fans to accuse the pageant, founded by the Thai millionaire of being more like a "cooking show.”
Recorded videos and screenshots of Nawat’s recent TikTok live are currently making rounds online after addressing the protests of disappointed fans.
Narrating his “real story,” Nawat said Nikki immediately went backstage after the Top 20 was announced and left the venue.
“I give you one million US dollar if your candidate not going to join so many things, not going to join a lot of things. Especially after not top 20, she quick back, pack, and go out from the backstage,” he said.
“Even so many people, security, going to talk, because we invest a lot of money, almost one month, to make a good show. A lot of rehearsal, we pay a lot, but she don't care anyone, she want to skip, she want to walk. She's not polite to everyone around her, to run out, not going on the stage,” he continued.
Nawat said that Miss Grand Philippines national director Arnold Vegafria agreed to take Nikki back immediately.
“And the director, he come from front side to backstage, agree with her, take her back immediately,” he said. “What do you think? Did you did you try to the world, to others?”
“Yes, this is the real story. You can see her after Top 20 on the stage? Did you see her? If you see her, I give you 1 million US dollar,” Nawat said.
He added that it was very difficult working with Nikki, saying she and Filipino fans don’t care.
“It’s difficult to work with her. It's very difficult to cooperate, every day until the end of day. She did what she want. She don't pay attention to others. She don't respect. She don't have responsibility,” he said.
“We training the show it, It's part of show. It's very difficult. We lose a lot of money, but she don't care anyone. She don't care, even Filipino fans. So you should know I argue she's a real queen or not,” Nawat continued.
Pep’s report added that Nawat said the Philippines chose the “wrong candidate to compete.”
"It's not my fault & your candidate did not make it to Top 20. After announcing the Top 20 she decided to walkout even her National Director did not stop her. We invested a lot of money from day 1 to rehearsal up to finals and not showing up makes her very unprofessional,” he said.
Nawat added, “The problem with you is choosing the wrong candidate to compete, from day one she has a lot of problem/fault. You Filipinos stop blaming me as you have chosen the wrong candidate to compete."
In her post last week, Nikki admitted feeling disappointed after bowing out early from the pageant.
“I poured my heart and soul into representing Philippines and my heart aches with disappointment,” she wrote.
Nikki did not advance to the Top 20 during the international pageant's coronation night in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on Wednesday, October 25.
Leading up to the coronation night, she showcased incredible visuals during the swimsuit competition and represented the Philippines' rich festival celebrations at the national costume competition.
—Carby Basina/CACM, GMA Integrated News
