The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP) Board has finally spoken out nearly a week after the controversy surrounding the 2025 pageant, but its statement failed to confirm or deny allegations of fraud that sparked the dispute.
In a statement released on February 13, the Board acknowledged the “distress caused by recent disputes” and condemned threats made against judges and contestants.
However, it did not address whether the allegations of vote rigging, which led to government intervention in the Solomon Islands, were true.
The controversy erupted after Miss Samoa, Litara Ieremia Allan, was crowned the winner on February 8 in Honiara. Following the announcement, claims of manipulation surfaced, prompting the Solomon Islands government to issue a stop notice on all judges, preventing them from leaving the country.
The Board praised contestants for maintaining “genuine friendships” despite the turmoil and thanked the Solomon Islands for hosting the event. It also extended congratulations to Miss Allan but made no effort to clarify the legitimacy of the results.
Former Miss Samoa and Miss Pacific Islands, Maryjane McKibbin Schwenke, has criticized the MPIP committee for failing to act swiftly, urging them to “clear the air” and address the unverified claims.
The controversy began on February 8 when Miss Samoa, Litara Ieremia Allan, was crowned the winner in Honiara. That same night, the uncle of Tongan pageant judge Maata Moungaloa Tupou posted an allegation on social media, claiming he had “just spoken to my niece” and accused Head Judge Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt of “tearing up results” that allegedly showed Miss Tonga as the rightful winner.
An statement is expected from the Solomon Islands government who is still investigating the fraud allegations surrounding the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant. A Stop notice on judges was lifted on February 12, but inquiries continue. Authorities seek transparency, stating that formal charges will follow if evidence supports misconduct. Regional governments including Tonga may assist in further investigations.
With no clear response on the allegations, uncertainty remains over the integrity of the competition, leaving the pageant’s reputation under scrutiny.
