Miss USA denies contest was ‘rigged’ as Miss Universe probes pageant scandal

nypost.com:

Miss USA 2022 competition was reportedly “rigged,” the Miss Universe Organization revealed they will be conducting an “active review” into the claims, which the Miss USA Organization and its winner have both denied.“We are aware of the concerns that have been brought forth by this year’s Miss USA contestants,” the organization told The Post in an emailed statement. “We commend the women for bringing these issues to our attention and will always be an organization that encourages women to use their voice.”The Miss USA title winner represents the country in Miss Universe each year, which means Miss USA 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel will compete on a global scale next year.“We firmly believe everyone has a right to express their thoughts and experiences without retaliation and bullying,” the Miss Universe rep added. “There are existing systems in place to ensure the fairness of our national competitions and as such we have begun an active review into this situation.”Gabriel, 28, told The Post in an emailed statement that the contest was not “rigged.”“The current allegations are based on perception and not the truth,” she said. “I would never want to enter a competition that was rigged.