Miss Bahamas Universe Chantel O’Brian harshly criticized organizers of the pageant, citing poor treatment as the reigning queen.
In a social media post, the beauty queen said the organization “treats me like an afterthought,” during “my entire reign.”
O’Brian made history last year when she became the first Bahamian beauty contestant to place top ten in the Miss Universe Pageant.
O’Brian said sometimes she feels “sad” and “discouraged” because of the lack of support from the organization.
“If not for my mom, loved ones, team, so many Bahamians, public support, and my own drive, I really don’t know.”
The organization has changed ownership many times throughout the years but the criticisms of how it treats winners of the pageant, remain constant complaint.
The organization will hold its Miss Bahamas Grand Finale on July 31, where one of nine contestants will be declared the ‘Miss Bahamas Universe.’
O’Brian hopes “our new queen” is treated differently.
“Praying that things change…” she said.
Social media users said they were not surprised at O’Brian’s claims.
“But this is something we knew from previous stories and first-hand experiences of prior queens,” Taisha-Monst Smellie said.
Rissie Demeritte said, “This is so sad and not the first time we have heard this about this organization.”
Darius Lewis stated, “I believe Tomacina Culmer (Miss Bahamas 2015) had the same complaint. Shame on the organization if this is true.”
And Jayda Kinz said, “The cry of every queen after their reign. This is so disheartening and sad that they treat yall like this. It leaves to question, ‘what the hell is the point?’”
