Miss Universe Colombia org apologizes to Catriona over ‘Australian by birth’ intro

The Miss Universe Colombia organization apologized to Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and her team following the backlash over her introduction and the misspelling of her family name during the November 16 pageant.

In the letter shared via Instagram stories on Thursday, November 19, Miss Universe Colombia president and national director Natalie Ackermann said that they thanked Catriona for gracing the pageant and spending time with Smile Train.

“We also would like to express our apologies for the mistake of her last name due to some language barrier, and that she was born in Australia,” Ackermann wrote. “The translated language that was sent for introduction is ‘Born in Australia from the Philippines who is Miss Universe 2018.’ It is honestly part of the cultural differences as here in Colombia, we regard the value of unity and cross-cultural importance.”

Ackermann emphasized that there was no malice on their part in inviting Catriona to the pageant. “I have always admired the Filipino culture and the kindness of the people from the Philippines.”

“I hope that Catriona will not take this matter against us and can forgive us and our management. We are absolutely thrilled to visit the beautiful country of the Philippines soon.”

During the pageant, the host introduced Catriona as an “Australian by birth” who represented the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant. Her family name was also misspelled to “Garay” in the on-screen graphics for her introduction. Both instances slighted Catriona’s fans in the Philippines.

Following the competition, Catriona posted a photo of herself on Instagram stories with the word “Filipina,” which fans thought was her answer to the introduction.

Born and raised in Australia, Catriona moved to the Philippines to pursue a career in modeling. She has said in past interviews that she’s proud to represent the Philippines and that she is a Filipino not only by blood but at heart. Catriona is a citizen of both the Philippines and Australia. (WATCH: Behind-the-scenes of Catriona Gray’s pre-Colombia photoshoots)

She has since pursued a career in entertainment. –Rappler.com