Miss Germany Apologizes After Slamming Miss Universe Winner

Miss Germany Apologizes After Slamming Miss Universe Winner
Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez, right, and Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach wait for the announcer to name the new Miss Universe at the Miss Universe pageant on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in Las Vegas. Gutierrez was incorrectly crowned before Wurtzbach was named Miss Universe. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Epoch Newsroom
12/22/2015
Updated:
12/23/2015

Miss Germany Sarah-Lorraine Riek has apologized for comments made after the Miss Universe winner was declared.

Riek’s controversial comments came after a mix-up left Miss Colombia, who was initially crowned, de-crowned--in favor of Miss Philippines, who was declared the true winner.

Riek told a blogger after the contest that she thought Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez Arevalo should have won. 

“I really couldn’t believe it, I was so upset. For me (she was robbed) as the real winner,” she said. “I was very happy for Miss Colombia because she really deserved it. I’m really not happy with the result and so are the other girls, I’m sorry to say it.”

(Facebook)
(Facebook)

 

Riek has now apologized for trashing Pia Wurtzbach, the Philippines representative who was ultimately crowned. 

“Miss Universe-Germany Sarah-Lorraine feels sorry for her colleague and friend Miss Colombia. This must have been the worst nightmare. She never intended to offend Miss Philippines in any way. She feels sorry for both girls,” the Miss Germany organization said in a Facebook post.

“She is really sorry if the video suggests anything else than that,” the group added. “Sarah-Lorraine is very happy a half-German girl brings the crown of course a bit to Germany as well! Congrats to our friends of Philippines.”

Wurtzbach hasn’t responded directly to Miss Germany, but admitted that the mix-up led to a “very non-traditional crowning moment.” However, many Filipinos have been criticizing Riek for her comments.