Vietnam's Le Thao Nhi will no longer compete in Miss Universe 2023
Miss Universe Vietnam 2022 first runner-up Le Thao Nhi will no longer be able to join Miss Universe 2023 in El Salvador later this year.
The reason shared by the new Miss Universe Vietnam organization was due to agreement issues with Unicorp, the previous license holder and organizers of Hoa Hậu Hoàn Vũ Việt Nam.
Despite Miss Universe's preference for its contestants to be winners only from annually organized national pageants, they were asked to consider Thao Nhi's participation in honor of Unicorp's huge contribution to the development of the brand in the country.
But since an agreement could not be reached between the national organizations involved, a new worthy representative will be chosen to represent Vietnam at the 72nd edition of the Miss Universe pageant.
"We greatly appreciate your support and enthusiasm for Miss Universe and the pageant's mission in uplifting the role of women globally," Miss Universe Vietnam's message to the fans.
The official statement continued: "We believe that together, we can create positive change and inspire future generations to pursue their dreams. We sincerely appreciate your understanding."
Quỳnh Nga officially took over the license for Miss Universe Universe from Unicorp in February. An official signing ceremony with MUO was held in Ho Chi Minh City with the presence of owner Anne Jakrajutatip, reigning Miss Universe R'Bonney Gabriel, and second runner-up Andreína Martínez Founier.
For Thao Nhi, Miss Universe Vietnam's statement on social media concerning the end of her expected participation in Miss Universe came as a surprise. She said: "I surprised myself. I didn't think this would happen, we didn't even have a chance to negotiate or have a proper conversation and then it happened. I am speechless."
In case you missed it, here is the entire statement in Vietnamese:
Photos: Hoa Hậu Hoàn Vũ Việt Nam, Miss Universe Vietnam / Instagram
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