Two weeks after pageant host Steve Harvey announced the wrong winner, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach broke her silence about the idea of sharing the win with first runner-up Miss Colombia, and the newly-crowned beauty queen thinks it would not be easy.
Wurtzbach appeared on Good Morning America on January 4 to talk about the mixup and to discuss if she is willing to share the crown with Miss Colombia, who was stripped off the Miss Universe title a few moments after Harvey declared her the winner.
Miss Universe says “it would be a little difficult” to share the crown with Miss Colombia: https://t.co/PPsOhc2IRd pic.twitter.com/A2Th1n1Tbh
— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) January 4, 2016
“I think it would be a little bit difficult for two girls to share a crown,” Wurtzbach told show host Lara Spencer.
“…but I have high hopes that this will give great opportunities for me and Miss Colombia and the rest of the contestants,” she continued.
Wurtzbach received a lot of criticism after winning the title but said she is not taking it personally as she understands why fans of Miss Colombia are enraged by the embarrassing incident.
During the interview, Wurtzbach also revealed that she took the initiative to reach out to Gutierrez and wished her a happy birthday on December 25. She said Miss Colombia “seems like she’s okay.”
Miss Universe 2016 Pia Wurtzbach Appears on Good Morning America
The 26-year-old Miss Universe believes that more exciting opportunities await Miss Colombia in the future. “I know that she’s a beautiful young lady – very talented. I think that she’ll have a lot of other opportunities,” she said.
Wurtzbach also thinks Harvey should be given another chance to host Miss Universe next year. She commended the comedian for making them feel at ease during the pageant.
Miss Universe says Steve Harvey should be the pageant host next year https://t.co/sOLhtlHeH8 pic.twitter.com/yd5nlE2vir
— People magazine (@people) January 4, 2016
As for her Miss Universe duties, the Filipino-German actress will focus on a host of social causes which includes disaster relief and HIV awareness. She said she is excited to begin her mission as an ambassador of change and goodwill. “It’s surreal. I’m so happy,” she said.