By JADE RUSSELL
Tribune Staff Reporter
jrussell@tribunemedia.net
MISS Bahamas Universe Melissa Ingraham has resigned from her position, saying her decision was due to the disappointing experiences and a lack of support from the Miss Bahamas Universe Organisation.
The former contestant announced she was stepping down in an emotional social media post on Friday. Ms Ingraham claimed that during her reign she experienced less than adequate support from the organisation.
The Miss Bahamas Universe Organisation allegedly failed to uphold their commitments which were outlined in a contractual agreement with Ms Ingraham.
“The support I expected, as outlined in my contractual agreement, in terms of training, wardrobe, and event management, amongst other things, wasn’t provided, leading to an incredibly stressful time and many missed opportunities that unfortunately, took a lot of joy away from my once in a lifetime experience to represent my country on the global stage,” she claimed in a statement.
In terms of the 72nd Miss Universe Pageant which was held in El Salvador, Ms Ingraham said when she competed in the pageant the organisation didn’t provide the necessary assistance.
“My first time in full national costume happened minutes prior to me appearing live on television, which was far from ideal given there was no time to practice walking in full costume,” she said. “Moreover, I found myself primarily responsible for coordinating most of my public appearances (including identifying activities, transport to and from, wardrobe, hair, and make-up) and managing both my and the Miss Bahamas Universe social media pages.”
Ms Ingraham added she tried to address her concerns with the organisation but she received a pattern of “poor communication” from its officials.
She called for national organisations to be held accountable.
Ms Ingraham is one of numerous former contestants who have claimed there was a lack of support from the Miss Bahamas Universe Organisation.
The 2021 title holder, Chantel O’Brian, previously claimed the organisation didn't support her, saying they treated her like an “afterthought.”
In a Facebook post in 2022, Ms O’Brian said: “Just want to go on the record and say that the Miss Bahamas Universe pageant organisation really treats me like an afterthought - they have my entire reign and it's really so sad and discouraging. If not for my mom, loved ones, team, so many of the Bahamian public's support, and my own drive, I really don't know. I'm just glad that ultimately, God knows all things. He always has. Praying that things change for our new queen.”
Meanwhile, the Miss Bahamas Universe Organisation stated on Friday that, effective immediately, Taja Hudson, who was the first runner-up of the pageant, will now be serving as their new queen. The organisation thanked Ms Ingraham for her services but didn't acknowledge her public claims.
Comments
ohdrap4 3 months, 3 weeks ago
These contests are to make money for promoters. The participants need to raise their own funds for expenses. Same with all those children beauty pageants and modelling schools. Which also expose children to certain undesirable adults .
ThisIsOurs 3 months, 3 weeks ago
"participants need to raise their own funds for expenses"
That may be true for private contests, but it cannot be true for Miss Bahamas who represents at the national level. Doesnt the organization get money from the govt? Not to be unfair to the organization, the subvention probably isnt enough for all the expenses. But if they hand a contestant a contract saying they'll supply wardrobe the contestant shouldnt be responsible for outfitting themselves.
The claim that Miss Bahamas had to manage the social media page is strange at best, I wonder what that arrangement looked like. I'd expect they might have to have some live appearance events, maybe answer some questions, but I wouldnt expect them to be responsible for making posts about events or appearances
ohdrap4 3 months, 3 weeks ago
I had a relative in Miss Bahamas. Do not know if they get money from govt. But the contestant had to find sponsors as you pay entry fee to international organisation. To enter in the local pageant cost about three thousand. Once you go away the chaperones want to ride limousines and you have to find money for that .Then to go away to represent in another pageant cost six thousand so she did not go. And the winner is the one who sells the most tickets. That is why people fuss when the beautiful end up in second place.
ThisIsOurs 3 months, 3 weeks ago
Yikes.
joeblow 3 months, 3 weeks ago
... its always important to hear both sides of a story before coming to a conclusion, but one thing is invariably true, Bahamians and their organizations, are not known for efficiency and excellence!
Topdude 3 months, 3 weeks ago
She did the nation a favor. A big favor. She is a money grabbing individual. And he is not attractive.
sheeprunner12 3 months, 3 weeks ago
Are these beauty queen organizations part of the formal MOYSC system, like sports, Junkanoo, sailing organizations etc? Are they accountable to a Govt agency?
Or are they just free to do as they please to these young people who they say are representing the country?
It makes the country look bad
GodSpeed 3 months, 3 weeks ago
These pageants are pointless, soon they'll have transgenders in them, if not already.
ThisIsOurs 3 months, 3 weeks ago
Lol. They do already.
Completely off topic: I think you can be whoever you want yourself to be, but you cannot force your view on other people. Male transgender athletes should not compete against females, its a ridiculously unfair pairing and male transgender contestants should not compete in a female pageant, what would be the point? While they may identify as a female and have free choice to do so, they are not female.
Sickened 3 months, 3 weeks ago
Knowing our people and how organizations here work, I believe her. Most people running organizations just want the money and the prestige.
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