Miss Universe Singapore Vion Erico Tan will not compete at the international pageant in Puerto Rico on 24 November 2026 amid an ongoing dispute over franchise rights.
Representatives from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Laos will also not take part under the affected franchises.
Miss Grand International (MGI) announced the decision on 21 October, saying it could no longer reasonably send the representatives under conditions that adequately protected their status, dignity, safety and equal treatment, according to PhilSTAR Life.
Singapore Organisation Supports Decision, Looks Towards 2027
The Miss Universe Singapore Organisation said on 22 October that it fully supported the decision, Mothership reported.
The team had been actively preparing Tan for the Puerto Rico competition. It now intends to continue her preparations with the aim of representing Singapore at Miss Universe 2027 in a different host country.
That remains an aspiration rather than a confirmed appearance.
Tan also addressed the development on Instagram. According to Mothership, she said she needed time to process the news, but remained determined to show what Singapore could achieve internationally.
Dispute Centres On Authority To Issue Franchises
The disagreement concerns who has the authority to approve national franchise arrangements, which allow local organisations to select and send representatives to Miss Universe.
In September, the Miss Universe Organization said it did not recognise agreements involving Miss Universe Eastern and declared contestants from the six countries ineligible, PhilSTAR Life reported.
MU East challenged that position in a statement dated 18 September, published on the Miss Universe website.
It acknowledged that JKN Universe LLC owns the Miss Universe brand, but said MU East held exclusive rights to operate and develop it across 95 Eastern territories, including appointing franchise partners.
MU East maintained that its contractual arrangements entitled it to send eligible delegates from the six affected countries. It also argued that valid agreements could not be cancelled through a statement issued by one side alone.
MGI Says It Is Preserving Its Contractual Rights
Despite deciding against sending the representatives to Puerto Rico, MGI said their non-participation did not amount to a voluntary withdrawal or surrender of its contractual rights, according to PhilSTAR Life.
The organisation said the representatives would retain their national titles and continue their duties in their respective countries.
It also said it would continue defending the interests of the delegates and the company, including through possible legal action.
