‘It’s our duty to stick together’: Miss Universe Bahamas queens support each other after pageant fallout

Just days after handing back the Miss Universe Bahamas crown, Melissa Ingraham thanked former queen Chantel O’Brian for supporting her, after both women alleged poor management and a lack of assistance from the organization.

“Thankful for this beauty for speaking up about her past experience as well. Chantel O’Brian I appreciate your support and for standing with me,” Ingraham said.

The big picture

Ingraham resigned suddenly on Friday, announcing the end of her reign on social media. She cited a lack of support based on the contract signed regarding training, wardrobe, and event management.

“I found myself primarily responsible for coordinating most of my public appearances (including identifying activities, transport to and from, wardrobe, hair, and make-up) and managing both my and the Miss Bahamas Universe social media pages.”

She alluded to the 72nd Miss Universe Pageant, held in El Salvador, when she was not given sufficient time to prepare for the full national costume which she said “happened minutes prior to me appearing live on television, which was far from ideal given there was no time to practice walking in full costume.”

Why it matters

Other pageant queens have complained about the lack of assistance from the organization throughout the years.

2021 contestant Chantel O’Brian who made Top Ten and won the Spirit of Carnival Award, resigned nine months in, accusing the organization of treating her like “an afterthought.”

What Chantel O’Brian says

O’Brian calls for an investigation into the ethics and financial management of the organization, in support of Ingraham.

O’Brian said she resonated with Ingraham’s struggles, insisting pageant queens must “stick together.”

State of play

The organization has not yet responded to the fallout, only stating that it has appointed 1^st runner-up Taja Hudson to the post.