Miss Universe organizers denied Saudi Arabia's participation in the contest and accused the 27-year-old model of lying

The Miss Universe organization denies reports of Saudi Arabia's participation in the 2024 pageant, which would have marked the Middle Eastern country's debut. The representative was to be 27-year-old model and blogger Rumi Al-Qahtani.

This was reported by CNN. "No selection process has taken place in Saudi Arabia, and any such claims are false and misleading," the pageant said in a statement.

The organization notes that although Saudi Arabia is not currently on the list of countries that have already been approved for participation, in 2024, the Miss Universe pageant will conduct a thorough screening of potential franchise candidates.

"Saudi Arabia will not have the opportunity to join our prestigious competition until it is finally confirmed by the approval committee," the representatives explain.

In late March, Rumi Al-Qahtani, a Saudi model and winner of local beauty pageants, wrote on social media that she was honored to be a part of Miss Universe. The post included images of her wearing a sequined evening gown, a glamorous tiara, and a belt with the embroidered inscription "Miss Universe Saudi Arabia."

Al-Qahtani's announcement was widely circulated online. The beauty has not deleted the post on social media, even though the Miss Universe pageant is now challenging its veracity.

"We don't know the reason why Ms. Rumi Al-Kahtani announced her candidacy, but if she wants to run, she will have to go through the same selection process as other candidates," the organization said.

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