Beloved TV personality Steve Harvey caused a significant amount of controversy after accidentally reading out the wrong name in the final of the Miss Universe pageant.
The host’s mistake brought tears and shock to the ending of the worldwide beauty pageant as Miss Colombia was announced the winner, but was in fact the runner up.
For 90 seconds, the world congratulated Miss Columbia, Ariadna Gutierrez as she was crowned and given her flowers. Then she was forced to give up her title to Miss Philippines, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach.
Gutierrez was basking in her moment when Steve Harvey awkwardly interrupted and explained his mistake, apologising to both ladies and the audience.
As the entire event unfolded on live television, Miss Colombia was visibly upset while Miss Philippines was beyond shocked.
Harvey’s mistake has gone viral with many people giving criticism to the host, as well as the show.
The Miss Universe Organization issued a public apology noting that due the live nature of the show, human mistake can happen and congratulating both women on their victory.
In other areas of the pageant, Miss Australia Monika Radulovic made it into the final five after her Dame Edna-inspired costume, and impressing the judges with her answer on legalising marijuana in Australia.
Miss Australia lost out to Miss USA, Miss Colombia and Miss Philippines on making it into the top three.
The pageant went ahead without co-owner of the show with NBC, Donald Trump, after his controversial comments about immigrants.
The show featured women from 83 countries and audiences were able to vote for their favourite for the first time, with the help of four celebrity judges.
What are your thoughts on this event? Let us know by commenting below.
– Written by John Ardic
