Laura Lehmann defends Miss World pageant’s integrity

Published October 18, 2017 9:47pm By JESSICA BARTOLOME, GMA News

Laura Lehmann, the Philippines' representative to the Miss World 2017 pageant in China, on Wednesday defended the competition's integrity.

"Because of what has happened in the past, there are a lot of pageant fans who might be a little bit, maybe, upset...I just want you to know that Miss World has integrity," Lehmann said during her send-off in Annabel's Restaurant in Quezon City.

She may have been referring to last year's representative Catriona Gray only finishing in the Top 5 despite being considered by many Filipinos a strong contender for the crown.

"They will choose a winner who is deserving, whoever that girl is. They are going to choose a girl who is sincere, who is right for the position, and who's there to give back to people," she said.

"I think it's not in our place to think that this pageant has any negative 'insinuendos.' I just want everyone to be positive, and remember that this pageant has integrity, and that I'm going to do my best," she added.

Lehmann also said that she joined the Miss World pageant specifically because of its Beauty with a Purpose program.

"I'm just so happy to be going to the Miss World pageant in particular because it has a purpose. There's so many great things about Miss World," she said.

Lehmann will fly to China on October 20 where the Miss World 2017 coronation will be held. — BM, GMA News

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