Imelda Schweighart joins 1st MGI All Stars over Miss Universe Philippines 2026

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MANILA, Philippines — Philippine pageantry saw another twist after Filipino-German beauty queen Imelda Schweighart was announced as another delegate at the inaugural Miss Grand International (MGI) All Stars next month.

Schweighart was previously representing Kalibo, Aklan in Miss Universe Philippines 2026, however, rumors circulated that she is the individual removed from the competition by organizers.

According to the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) organization, it conducted a careful and thorough review after concerns were brought to them involving a candidate.

The delegate in question had been given verbal and written notice to address the situation at hand but "certain behaviors continued in ways that were not aligned with standards," leading to the delegate's removel from the pageant.

While Schweighart never addressed the rumors directly, pageant fans have speculated that she was the rumored candidate, following allegations she had riffs with other contestants behind closed doors. This is said to add to a list of controversial issues in her pageantry history, and her photos no longer appear in recent sponsored pictorials for MUPH.

MGI described Schweighart as "a legendary multi-hyphenate and a true icon of her generation" who won her first national crown at 15 years old, an actress, singer-songwriter, music producer, and entrepreneur.

"Her journey is defined by resilience, individuality, and authenticity," added MGI. "Known for her unapologetic spirit and editorial edge, Imelda brings a lifetime of stage mastery to the global spotlight — reminding the world that icons aren’t born, they are made."

Schweighart previously competed in Binibining Pilipinas 2013, Miss Earth 2016 (though resigned the national title afterwards) and Miss Universe Germany 2023.

She becomes the fifth Philippine contestant at MGI All Stars after Fuschia Anne Ravena, Alexia Núñez, Keylyn Pan Guevara Trajano, and Gazini Ganados.

This special edition of MGI is open to women and transwomen — Fuschia and Keylyn are both trans — aged 20 to 40, regardless of marital status or whether they have previously competed in or won a pageant. Countries are allowed to send more than one delegate.

The Miss Grand International All Stars competition will begin on May 18 in Thailand, with the coronation night set for May 30.

Preliminary events have begun for Miss Universe Philippines 2026 ahead of the coronation night on May 1, where Ahtisa Manalo will crown her successor.

RELATED: Miss Universe Philippines removes delegate from 2026 pageant