The Miss Universe Organization revealed today, Friday, the truth behind media reports regarding Saudi Arabia's participation in the Miss Universe pageant for 2024. The organization stated in a statement reported by CNN: "These reports are false and misleading. No selection process has been carried out in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and any claims to that effect are false and misleading."
It added: "While Saudi Arabia has not yet fully confirmed its participation this year, we are currently undergoing a strict vetting process to qualify potential candidates for the franchise." The organization noted that "Saudi Arabia will not have the opportunity to join the prestigious contest until it is confirmed by our approval committee."
This statement comes after Saudi model Roumi Al-Qahtani announced on her social media accounts that she was "honored" to compete in the Miss Universe pageant. In her post, Al-Qahtani stated that "this is the first participation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Miss Universe pageant." Roumi's announcement widely circulated on social media: "I am honored to participate in the Miss Universe 2024 pageant. This is the first participation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Miss Universe pageant."
A spokesperson for the Miss Universe Organization told CNN: "We do not know why Miss Roumi Al-Qahtani announced her candidacy now, but if she wishes to participate, she will have to go through the same selection process as any other candidate." The Miss Universe 2024 pageant will take place in Mexico in September, featuring women from over 100 countries.
