In early October, Miss Texas R’Bonney Gabriel made history as the first Filipina American to win the Miss USA pageant. Now the Miss Universe Organization has suspended Miss USA President Crystle Stewart and her company while an independent investigation looks into allegations that the contest was rigged.
“After thorough deliberation, Miss Universe Organization has decided to suspend Miss Brand[s] immediately,” the organization said Thursday in a statement to the Los Angeles Times. “Miss Universe Organization will be taking over the Miss USA program while a comprehensive, third-party investigation is conducted.”
Law firm Holland & Knight is leading the probe, which MUO said would be followed by “appropriate action.” Stewart is cooperating with the probe, the organization said.