Manshika Breaks Silence, Vows to Represent Fiji in Mexico
“Counting down days until I’m in Mexico for the 73rd Miss Universe,” she wrote on Instagram with a stunning picture of herself decked out in a stylish white sleveeless gown, complete with crown and sash.
Monday 14 October 2024 | 14:53
Miss Universe Fiji runner-up Susana Ranadi (left), with Miss Universe Fiji 2024 Manshika Prasad, Kathleen Mason and Nicole Matavesi, in late August, 2024, at The Pearl Resort South Pacific, Deuba.
Imagine being crowned reigning queen today, and waking up two days later to a confused account that said otherwise.
That was the ordeal dished out to Manshika Prasad as Miss Universe Fiji 2024, and of followers and guests at the private lavish party that announced her the winner.
Further bewilderment surfaced as allegations of vote rigging, sexual assault and financial gains, made the headlines.
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Ms Prasad quietly and humbly endured the public onslaught when a rivalling contestant at Miss Universe Fiji 2024 launched an embarrassing longdrawn out media attack.
As the real queen sat in silence with a crown that at a time or two weighed much too heavy against the allegations levelled by a rival contestant, the public was thrown into a frenzy over her regal silence.
Ms Prasad, 23, did not bow to tit for tat on social media.
What played out boiled down to a queen with the crown and sash, and a rival who trumped up wild allegations that bordered on even racism.
But the clouds quickly dissipated as Ms Prasad yesterday dispelled assertions by a rivalling contestant over representation at the upcoming Miss Universe International pageant.
“Counting down days until I’m in Mexico for the 73rd Miss Universe,” she wrote on Instagram with a stunning picture of herself decked out in a stylish white sleveeless gown, complete with crown and sash.
She broke her silence with just a few words in what is hoped to end the confusion over the Miss Universe Fiji 2024 title.
“I am going officially as stated by Miss Universe Organisation,” she said.
“See you in Mexico.”
Turn of events
The recent turn of events comes a month after rival contestant Nadine Roberts made headlines with assertions to dethrone Ms Prasad.
Roberts, whose Fiji links are through her maternal ties to Matuku, Lau, was unabated in her public claim for the title of Miss Universe Fiji 2024.
Concerns over Ms Roberts’ conflict of interest with licencee of the event have not been played down.
Questions sent to Ms Roberts remained unanswered weeks before this edition went to print.
Speaking from Australia, Ms Prasad said preparations for Mexico was in “full swing”.
Ms Prasad prides herself as an advocate against violence on women and girls.
She is pursuing Masters in Business Administration in Australia.
Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj
