Malaysian beauty is new Miss Eco International 2019 after Filipina runner-up declines title
Pageant organizers confirmed on Saturday that Miss Peru Suheyn Cipriani has been dethroned as Miss Eco International 2019 due to pregnancy. Amy Tinie Abdul Aziz of Malaysia, who won fourth runner-up in the 2019 pageant, has been named as new Miss Eco International 2019.
Miss Philippines Maureen Montagne, who won first runner-up in the same pageant, has declined to accept the title because she is now competing in the Bb. Pilipinas 2020 beauty pageant. The prestigious national beauty contest has been postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
When rumors surfaced that the Peruvian beauty was stripped of the crown, Montagne said: "I know there are a lot of rumors going around right now, but I want to let you know I've poured my heart and soul into BBP (Bb. Pilipinas) this year. I'm currently speaking to both organizations right now to figure things out."
Arnold Vegafria, national director of Miss World Philippines pageant, has earlier cautioned pageant fans who have made conclusions that the Filipina would be the next titleholder because of the dethronement issue.
The dethronement happened just four months before a new winner will be crowned in Egypt in September. Kapuso actress Kelley Day will represent the Philippines in the international competition.
"Ms. Cipriani had agreed to the rules from the moment she filled her application form. The hectic schedule of the Miss Eco (International) winner is unsuitable for pregnant women... since it may negatively affect the upbringing of a newly born child deprived of his mother's love," said the statement of pageant organizer MEI posted on Facebook May 30.
"Miss Eco International rules aim to find a winner who is free and able to commit. Often at short notice, to travel globally in support of humanitarian activities and events on climate environmental issues, which may be for long periods, often to areas devastated by natural disasters or human-made ones. We feel sad that Ms. Cipriani is unconvinced and insists the rules made her feel uncomfortable and burdensome. However, we think she did a great job as our Miss Eco International 2019 till now in performing her duties."
The statement ended with support to Cipriani's future endeavors: "We wish her the best in her endeavors and thank her for the patronage and support of Miss Eco International pageant 2019. In the future, we will look into paradigms and the rules to be more inclusive without hindering the overall essence of the pageant."
As Cipriani can no longer be Miss Eco International 2019, Aziz of Malaysia will take over the crown, the statement concluded. #