Manshika Prasad (middle) has had her throne restored after ‘the real Miss Universe Fiji’, runner-up Nadine Roberts (left) was handed it instead. Photo: Asvin Singh
A judge in this year's Miss Universe Fiji says the controversy around the winner has stolen what should have been an epic moment for the country.
Fiji has not had a Miss Universe contestant in over 40 years, and the crowning of the winner Manshika Prasad last week was a fairytale moment for the young woman and the island nation.
But this all came crashing down after the event license holder temporarily stripped her of her title, claiming they had the deciding vote in the competition.
Ms Prasad's crown has been restored by Miss Universe international but the competition has been sullied with racial comments and allegations the runner-up had close links to the licensee.
One of the seven judges Melissa White says the controversy has robbed the winner, and Fiji, of an historic moment.
She spoke with Midday Report's Charlotte Cook
