Miss Grand Honduras national director accuses Miss Grand International of being ‘only interested in money’

Miss Grand Honduras 2024 Yariela García. Photo from García's Instagram

A press statement signed by Vega announcing the end of the partnership with MGI was posted on the official Instagram account of the Miss Grand Honduras organization on Nov. 23.

"For personal reasons, today I am withdrawing from the Miss Grand International organization," the statement read. "I am very disappointed with the treatment MGI gives us as national directors."

Vega explained that MGI is "only interested in our money" and does not value the sacrifices or investments national directors have made to promote the brand in their countries or to send their representatives to the competition. She also claimed that MGI fails to recognize national directors as "true investors" in the competition and as one of the key factors in its success.

"During the concentration, we are not even given identification as directors, and at the same time, we are charged for entry to all the shows," the statement continued. "Throughout the year, they never take us into account or take the time to give a message of thanks for our collaboration."

Vega expressed regret that many other national directors are too afraid to speak out due to fear of having their licenses revoked by MGI.

"That is why I raise my voice for those who do not dare to speak or say anything about what is happening," she declared, adding that she would keep the Miss Grand Honduras social media accounts active to maintain support for Honduras’ beauty queens.

This marks the third country to have a dispute with MGI this year, following Myanmar and India. Last month, MGI stripped Myanmar’s representative Thae Su Nyein of her second runner-up title at this year’s pageant and announced a lifetime ban on Myanmar’s national director Htoo Ant Lwin, citing his "lack of sportsmanship and business credibility."

On Nov. 17, the Miss Grand India organization also announced it was ending its partnership with MGI, citing divergent visions and goals, shortly after Rachel Gupta became the first Indian to win at an MGI pageant.

On Nov. 21, MGI revealed via Instagram that it would not renew the pageant license contract with Glamanand Entertainment, which previously oversaw the Miss Grand India franchise. The decision was attributed to several factors, including delayed license payments, contractual violations, insufficient support and promotion for Gupta, and inadequate promotion of the MGI brand, it said.

Founded in 2013 by Thai TV host and producer Nawat Itsaragrisil, MGI primarily focuses on humanitarian initiatives, with winners advocating for charitable causes throughout their tenure. Contestants are selected through national competitions, internal casting, or direct appointment by franchise holders from various countries or regions.