A photo of former Miss Universe Organization (MUO) executives has resurfaced amid ongoing issues surrounding the current edition of the prestigious beauty pageant.
An Instagram page focused on pageant news reshared a photo of ex-MUO president Paula Shugart and MUO talent director Esther Swan enjoying a meal together, captioning it: “Meanwhile: @realpaulashugart @swanbirdnyc”.
The post also included emojis of popcorn, clinking glasses and kiss mark.
The photo was reshared on Wednesday, November 5.
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The post earned over 470 likes and drew several comments from Filipinos, with some fans expressing hope that the two former Miss Universe executives would return to the MUO.
“Ibalik na sila please,” an Instagram user wrote.
“Mars, balik na kayo please,” another commented.
“Balik na [kayo], ang gulo na ng MU,” a different Pinoy said.
“Malungkot din siguro sila para sa brand na matagal nilang inalagaan,” another commented.
“Seriously, @realpaulashugart @swanbirdnyc, I really hope you’re not closing the door on the possibility of returning to MUO if circumstances change in your favor. You embody the true essence of what Miss Universe stands for,” said a different Pinoy.
The photo that was reposted had originally been uploaded by Paula on her Instagram account in April 2025.
“What a wonderful night in NYC [New York City] with my date, the one and only Miss Esther @swanbirdnyc. A very special night celebrating Fadil Berisha! So much love in the room,” she wrote before.
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The reposted photo had nothing to do with the recent issues surrounding the MUO.
Paula served as the face of the MUO for 23 years before stepping down in November 2023. She first joined the organization in 1998 as vice president of production and was later appointed president in 2001.
In her role, she oversaw all business operations and the production of the pageant’s live worldwide telecast each year.
READ: Philippines mentioned in Miss Universe Organization’s message as Paula Shugart exits | R’Bonney Gabriel pays tribute to Paula Shugart after ending Miss Universe Org tenure
Meanwhile, Esther served the MUO for 22 years before resigning in May 2023.
Nawat in Miss Universe
Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil went viral after videos surfaced on social media showing Miss Universe 2025 delegates, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, walking out of a room.
The incident also prompted Miss Universe Mexico to issue a statement regarding their candidate, Fatima Bosch, who was reportedly singled out by Nawat as one of the delegates allegedly not complying with the local franchise’s promo efforts.
“No woman, under any circumstance, deserves to be insulted or humiliated,” Miss Universe Mexico wrote in Spanish, as translated in English by Instagram.
Nawat’s singling out did not sit well with Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, who walked out of the venue. She was followed by Fatima and several other delegates.
At that time, a planned sashing ceremony was about to take place.
The MUO stated that the 74th Miss Universe pageant would continue as scheduled despite the incident.
MUO president Raul Rocha later called out Nawat, saying he “will not allow the values of respect and dignity toward women to be violated.”
Raul also announced that Nawat’s participation in the upcoming Miss Universe 2025 events would be restricted.
RELATED: Miss Universe president slams Nawat Itsaragrisil over sashing incident, limits his 2025 pageant access | ‘They don’t deserve this’: Pageant fans cry foul over ‘power struggle’ in Miss Universe org
In response, Nawat issued an apology in a video, saying he had also apologized “to the rest of the girls” who remained in the room following the incident.
He vowed to meet with the MUO directly in Thailand to resolve the issue, adding that “no one has authority in Miss Universe in Thailand right now.”
The Miss Universe 2025 coronation is scheduled for November 21, with Ahtisa Manalo representing the Philippines.
READ: ‘Queen Energy’: Fans send well-wishes to Ahtisa Manalo after her Miss Universe send-off
— with reports from Philstar.com/Kristofer Purnell
