Michelle Dee conflicted over supposed new rules for Miss Universe 2025
Michelle Dee gave her two cents on reports saying that future Miss Universe candidates must now be born in the countries they would represent to qualify for the pageant.
The new rule, which the Miss Universe organization has yet to confirm, was first posted on the Facebook page of Dee’s fan site MMD x PorDee Universe. It was allegedly discussed by National Directors of Miss Universe organizations during their visit to Mexico City prior to the coronation night on Nov. 17 (Philippine time).
The post also claimed that the next edition of Miss Universe will be held earlier than usual as each country must have its candidate chosen by August 17, 2025.
"If the winner of the contest cannot attend, the command line must be followed, i.e. it must be sent to the first finalist, and if she cannot, the one who follows her, not by external designation outside the national contest," the page wrote.
In an interview with the media, the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 titleholder was asked for her opinion regarding the new rule should it eventually be confirmed.
"Let's just see how it goes because, of course, we can't really assume what's gonna happen or the result as long as we stay true to the core of Miss Universe, what people love about the show, and what people love about the girls," Dee said.
"Basta that stays true to everyone then it'll be okay," she added.
On whether she agrees with the changes, the beauty queen admitted she is stuck in the middle.
"It depends on certain limitations. But of course, if there’s a Filipina that’s born in a different country, who are we to limit them from representing the country they love?" Dee said.
The actress and model then cited herself as an example, sharing that she was born in the Philippines but raised in America, yet she still calls herself a "proud Pinoy."
"I think there are some pros and cons so we just have to see what happens," she emphasized.
"Some girls are just unaccounted for. What if it’s just by chance na ipinanganak sila sa ibang bansa? So I think there are some stipulations and clarifications that we still have to find out, but nonetheless, they have a good team behind them and I hope that it is a successful one," she continued.
The Miss Universe organization previously made a huge rule allowing women who are single mothers, pregnant, married, and divorced to compete in the pageant. According to former Miss Universe CEO Amy Emmerich, this change came after the organization conducted surveys with the audience and its directors.
The recently concluded Miss Universe 2024 pageant also introduced a new format and named four "continental queens" who received the most number of social media engagements during the competition proper. These were Miss Universe Asia Chelsea Manalo, Miss Universe Africa & Oceania Chidimma Adetshina, Miss Universe Europe & Middle East Matilda Wirtavuori, and Miss Universe Americas Tatiana Calmell.
The pageant ended with Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark winning the coveted crown, succeeding the reign of Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.