Catriona Gray 'disheartened' by current state of Miss Universe

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February 14, 2026 | 2:40pm

MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray lamented the current state of the Miss Universe pageant, pointing out its vast difference since her reign.

Toward the end of an interview with Karen Davila in the beauty queen's own condo, the broadcast journalist brought up the issues involving current Miss Universe titleholder Fatima Bosch and how the main franchise evolves each year.

"I don't really where [it's] evolving to, to be honest," Catriona admitted as a pageant fan and past winner. "I've always believed in the potential of pageantry that we can agents for good and actually make a difference, not just be there for the glitz and glam."

She also confessed feeling "quite disheartened" like other fans knowing that Miss Universe isn't formally partnering with a charity organization as well as the lack of speaking opportunities for delegates, focusing more on "parades of beauty."

"I've always wanted to see the brand elevate and to be a platform for spokeswomen. Now to see that it has really lost that essence, I'm really disheartened 'cause it feels like the work that I've pushed for during my year is also lost," Catriona said, adding the "noise" is on the mismanagement rather than constestants.

While sad, the former beauty queen is hopeful the pageant will see an upturn in the coming years before reiterating her and other fans' disappointment.

Karen quipped that Catriona should own the Miss Universe franchise, which made the latter laugh, and the interview ended with a discussion on Catriona's acting debut in "The Loved One."

The last edition of Miss Universe was the first time in three consecutive years that Catriona did not serve as a backstage correspondent for the coronation night. — Video from Karen Davila's YouTube channel

RELATED: Why Catriona Gray and Sam Milby called it quits