Miss Universe host crowns Miss Colombia then takes it back
The Colombian contestant, Ariadna Gutierrez Arevalo, was already wearing the Miss Universe crown when host Steve Harvey returned to announce on live television that he had mistakenly read from a cue card, and that the contestant from the Philippines was actually the winner.
Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach would like to keep her crown all to herself.
The newly crowned Wurtzbach finally went on the record Monday on the calls for her to share the title with Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez-Arevalo, who was publically humiliated by Steve Harvey’s epic gaffe two weeks ago.
"I think it would be a little bit difficult for two girls to share a crown," the 26-year-old Filipino-German model said on “Good Morning America” during the kick-off of her year-long reign.
Wurtzbach was crowned Miss Universe on Dec. 20 after Harvey mistakenly named Gutierrez the new title holder before realizing his error on live television.
She told “GMA” co-host Lara Spencer that she understands why Gutierrez’s home country is upset over the incident, but has high hopes “that this will give great opportunities for me and Miss Colombia.”
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Wurtzbach revealed that she has spoken to her competitor since the pageant last month, adding that Gutierrez “seems like she’s OK.”
"I understand how she feels," she said. "I know that she's a beautiful young lady – very talented. I think that she'll have a lot of other opportunities."
In a lengthy Instagram post last week, Gutierrez spoke out about the incident, thanking fans for their "support and strength." She said she was grateful to bring happiness to her fellow Colombians – if only for a couple of minutes.
“Your destiny is written for you. And my destiny was this. I was able to bring happiness to my country after becoming Miss Universe for only a couple of minutes,” she said in her post. “Today because of that COLOMBIA and the LATIN COMMUNITY are being talked about in every corner of the world.”
As for Harvey, Miss Universe said she has no hard feelings toward the comedian and T.V. host, adding that he should be given the chance to host the pageant again.
"He made us feel very relaxed, the contestants," Wurtzbach said. "It makes us show our personalities a little bit more. I think that benefits everybody, especially the viewers."
Despite the drama at the start of her reign, Wurtzbach said she is “so excited” to begin working on an array of causes, including HIV awareness. She said the victor is a “big deal” in the Philippines after having to wait 42 years for a winner.
"Everyone's been anticipating to finally get the crown and we did,” she said, adding that she is still getting used to the crown itself. “It's a little bit heavy but I'm not complaining. It can stay there for a long time."
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