Viral video of Michelle Dee leaving fellow Miss Universe contestants due to sickness: MUPH

Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) said Michelle Dee wasn’t feeling well and excused herself to drink water—amid a viral video that fueled speculations that pageant officials were removing her from the lineup in a television guesting in Mexico City.

“Firstly, the segment was over by the time she exited,” the MUPH said in a statement on Nov. 21.

The MUPH added that Dee’s condition was due to the past weeks’ tedious back-to-back schedule.

“Upon seeing her condition, the MUPH team decided that it was best for her to go back to the hotel to get some rest.”

The MUPH said Dee is hoping to join the city tour scheduled today, Nov. 22, “as long as she feels better.”

A video circulating on X showed Miss Universe contestants, including Dee, together with Miss Universe Organization owner Anne Jakrajutatip. Staff approached Dee and went with them, while others had a chitchat and laughed as they appeared to pose for photos.

Dee, in her broadcast channel “Hey, MMDVERSE!” on Instagram, sent fans a message on the same day that read, “Suddenly felt so lightheaded so [I’m] going back to the hotel! Don’t feel so well after that first media guesting.”

“Love, empathy & kindness over everything,” she added.

Dee ended her Miss Universe 2023 journey with a Top 10 finish. She also won the “Spirit of Carnival” award and was among the Gold winners of the "Voice of Change" special awards.

Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua was hailed Miss Universe 2023, succeeding the Filipino-blooded R’Bonney Gabriel of the United States.