Catriona Gray has recently dismissed the notion that she was not supportive of the current Miss Universe-PH, Rabiya Mateo.
As reported on Manila Bulletin, the issue sparked recently, after the beauty queen posted a throwback photo of when she won Miss Universe back in 2018.
She wrote, “And just like that, it’s [Miss Universe] season again! I think it’s such an amazing feat that the delegates from around the world have been able to be present in Florida, USA having overcome all the challenges that I’m sure they and their team faced! So shout out to all the contestants, their teams and families who have helped in allowing each woman to strive for her dreams despite the current climate!”
“Seeing all the arrival looks so I’m reminiscing my own arrival look in Thailand (Definitely one of my favourites!) Who are you all cheering for?”
However, some netizens who saw the post were unhappy with the last part of Gray’s post, with one commenting, “You’re a Filipina. Instead of cheering for [Rabiya Mateo], you ask people who they are cheering for?”
Another netizen question the singer’s own support for Mateo, saying that unlike Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Gray has not voiced public support for the Filipino representative.
To the first criticism, the beauty queen responded, “I’m a Filipina and a Miss Universe. It’s a celebration of women from all over the world.”
She also denied the notion that she was not supportive of Mateo, saying that she has reached out to the beauty queen throughout her journey privately.
“Not everything is on display on social media,” she added.
Mateo is currently in the United States in preparation for competition.
(Photo Source: Catriona Gray Instagram, Rabiya Mateo Instagram, Pia Wurtzbach Instagram)