Miss Universe Belize's director withdraws from Miss Universe Organization


Romeo Escobar, the national director of Miss Universe Belize for the past five years, announced his withdrawal from the Miss Universe Organization in an official statement released on Thursday, February 16.

He mentioned MUO's recent "changes and implementations on its business model including franchise bidding under JKN Global Group's ownership" as the reason for his decision to give up his national franchise.

The three-time Emmy Award winner and "Survivor 42" runner-up added, "This does not align with the way I conduct business and I believe it is not a sustainable way to keep a partnership long-term with its directors."

He also confessed to struggling to get the financial backing needed to run the national pageant organization because, according to his statement, "no one cared or wanted to be associated with pageants in Belize at all."

His message for the next national director: "I hope the next person who takes on the Miss Universe franchise in Belize next can continue the hard work and legacy I and my team have worked so hard to build. I am here if you need my guidance and support."

The last representative he sent to the pageant was Miss Universe Belize 2022 Ashley Lightburn who competed in the 71st Miss Universe edition in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

Read his entire statements below:

Photos: Miss Universe Belize

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