MANILA, Philippines — The announcement that Vietnam will host the 76th Miss Universe competition in 2027 has been disputed by a faction of the international pageant organization, creating uncertainty over the next edition’s venue.
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) initially announced on Oct. 8 that Vietnam had been selected to host the competition, according to a press release posted on a Miss Universe-branded website and a corresponding Facebook post.
However, a separate statement attributed to the organization subsequently denied that the Southeast Asian country had been designated as host.
“The Miss Universe Organization wishes to clarify that Vietnam has not been designated as the host country for the 76th Miss Universe Competition in 2027,” the statement read.
It added that, consistent with the pageant’s tradition, the official host country would be announced at the conclusion of the 75th Miss Universe competition in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“Any earlier announcement, or any announcement made through a channel other than the official channels identified in this statement, has no official effect and should not be regarded as an announcement by the Miss Universe Organization,” it said.
The initial announcement identified Legacy Holding Group, S.A. de C.V., referred to as MU East, as the designated “Party in Turn” under the Master Hemisphere Agreement. It said MU East would lead the planning, development, production and execution of the 2027 competition, including host-country selection.
The announcement also praised Vietnam’s natural scenery, cultural heritage and hospitality.
“Bringing together delegates from countries and territories around the world, the competition will celebrate women’s confidence, leadership and individuality while showcasing Vietnam’s traditions, creativity and contemporary spirit,” the initial press release stated.
However, the subsequent statement rejected MU East’s claimed authority to represent the Miss Universe Organization.
“MU East, or any similar designation does not exist as a body, division, affiliate, or authorized representative of the Miss Universe Organization,” the statement said.
It furthered that the Miss Universe-branded website and certain social media accounts were under unauthorized control, warning that content published through those channels did not represent the organization’s official position.
The conflicting announcements follow an ongoing dispute between Miss Universe officials and MU East, which is associated with Thai entrepreneur Nawat Itsaragrisil.
Meanwhile, Bea Millan-Windorski is representing the Philippines at Miss Universe 2026, hoping to bring home the country’s fifth-ever title. The Philippines has won the crown four times, through Gloria Diaz in 1969, Margie Moran in 1973, Pia Wurtzbach in 2015 and Catriona Gray in 2018.
