The Miss Universe Cayman Islands pageant is under scrutiny after an anonymous “Concerned Citizen” called on government and the Human Rights Commission to launch an independent investigation into the competition, prompting Tourism Minister Gary Rutty to commit to a review with organisers.
The appeal followed a complaint by 2025 contestant Tiona Miller, alleging mistreatment by the committee. Miller has since issued a public apology to the committee, posting to her social media on Wednesday, 20 Aug., “I recognize my words may have caused reputational damage or hurt to the organization and its members, and for that I sincerely apologize. It was never my intention to diminish the work of the organization or those involved.”
On 14 Aug., an anonymous email from “Cayman Concerned Citizen” was sent to Gary Rutty, deputy premier and minister of tourism and trade development, with government offices, media houses and the Human Rights Commission copied.
The letter cited long-standing issues with the Miss Universe Cayman Islands pageant, alleging “bribery, bad behaviour and young ladies being treated in ways that are not fair”, and called for an independent investigation, safeguards for contestants to speak openly and public disclosure of the findings.
“This cannot be pushed under the rug. The people are watching, and we want to see action,” the letter stated.
Rutty formally acknowledged the complaint on 15 Aug., confirming that the ministry would meet with the Miss Universe Cayman Committee, stressing that “our Miss Universe Cayman Islands contestants are of the utmost importance”.
“We have reached out to the committee to have a meeting and discuss the email,” Rutty told the Compass, adding that he would comment further after those discussions.
The controversy follows public claims by Miller, the only plus-size contestant in the 2025 pageant, who alleged favouritism, colourism and body-shaming during the competition. Miller, who placed third runner-up out of four contestants and did not win a special award, said her images were retouched, her complaints ignored and her visibility in promotions reduced.
The committee has strongly rejected her allegations, maintaining that contestants were treated equally and that independent adjudicators applied strict criteria to ensure fairness. Judges this year included Dorothy Fay Rau, Cory McGee and former Miss Universe Cayman Islands Kadejah Bodden, whose identities were kept private until the event.
The Miss Universe Cayman Islands Committee has maintained that the pageant is built on fairness, transparency and empowerment. Organisers pointed to several examples of support for Miller, including stepping in when her hair and makeup sponsor cancelled at the last minute and securing sponsorship on her behalf, something contestants usually handle themselves.
Questions have arisen over Miller’s recent social media activity. Earlier this week, her bio briefly read “Miss Universe Cayman Islands 2025” before being deleted. In a separate post on 17 Aug., she said “it’s strange to be the backbone of an entire competition yet receive the least applause and no award. Without me, there wouldn’t have been a Miss Universe Cayman Islands 2025.”
In her social media posting on 20 August that included the formal apology, Miller still alleged she was ill-treated.
“I expressed that I felt made to seem less beautiful through the use of editing, that I was not fully recognized for my continued participation in the competition, and that I felt treated unfairly and dismissively by the committee. These were my genuine feelings and experiences, and I shared them honestly.”
Miller went on to write that she stands by her truth.
“I believe that while my words may have had impact, the treatment I experienced has caused me deeper harm than I could ever cause the organisation.”
She concluded her statement by writing: “My hope remains that future contestants will benefit from an environment that truly embodies empowerment, inclusivity, and respect for all women.”
In a statement, National Director Derri Lee thanked Miller for participating.
“Her courage, individuality, and presence brought something special to the stage,” she said. “We wish her the very best as she continues to inspire others in her own way. We also hope that she will find peace and comfort moving forward.”
Lee noted that the committee is listening to the public and approaching the comments with a constructive mindset.
“Every experience is an opportunity to grow. We’re listening closely and reflecting on how we can make our processes more transparent and inclusive, so that every voice feels heard from start to finish,” she said.
Lee added that all contestants receive equal access to training, coaching and mentorship, and reaffirmed the committee’s goal of developing Caymanian women into “confident, empowered leaders”.
Government involvement
The Cayman Islands Government previously managed the Miss Universe franchise but stepped back in 2023 following controversy, leaving the pageant under independent management. However, government remains closely involved, serving as a Diamond Crown Sponsor this year through the Ministry of Tourism and Trade Development.
In his message in this year’s programme guide, Rutty praised the pageant as a “beacon of empowerment”, and said the Ministry of Tourism and Trade Development is proud to support and sponsor a legacy that “continues to thrive”.
In his remarks at the event, Minister Rutty referred to the pageant as “a celebration of excellence and sisterhood”. Rutty is the father of Miss Universe Cayman Islands 2024, Raegan Rutty.
This year’s competition, themed ‘Into the Blue’, crowned Tahiti Seymour of Bodden Town as Miss Universe Cayman Islands 2025. Seymour will represent Cayman at the global competition in Thailand this November.
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