Miss Philippines, Pia Wurtzbach, is this year's Miss Universe winner. But thanks to a blunder by Steve Harvey, the host of the event, her crowning was also the most awkward ceremony in recent Miss Universe history.
Wurtzbach was one of the final three contestants in the pageant, along with Miss USA Olivia Jordan and Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez. Jordan was in third, and Harvey called out Wurtzbach as second, making Gutierrez the winner.
Gutierrez was already crowned and blowing kisses to the crowd when Harvey suddenly cut through the cheering: "There's… I have to apologize."
What followed was possibly the most awkward uncrowning ceremony ever, as Gutierrez had to put on a brave smile and see her crown go to a stunned Wurtzbach.
Harvey looked shaken as he apologized for the gaffe later onstage. "I will take responsibility for this, it was my mistake," he said, holding up the results card to the camera.
Notice how they arrange everything on the card to make the chance of a f*ck up very low. #MissUniverse2015 pic.twitter.com/Fk2H9AWX7C
— Dee Phunk (@DeePhunk) December 21, 2015
But just as the Internet was reacting in anger and confusion, Harvey made matters worse by tweeting an apology — but spelled both Philippines and Colombia incorrectly. (He deleted the tweet moments after.)
People responding to his apology are furious:
@IAmSteveHarvey are you dyslexic pic.twitter.com/gbeuWOfNaC
— ashley (@ashIeyImao) December 21, 2015
@IAmSteveHarvey delete your account
— John W. (@Plankfan) December 21, 2015
https://twitter.com/Skylerguyy/status/678776350438748162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
@IAmSteveHarvey PHILIPPIANS!???
— PHILIPPE (@philippefullido) December 21, 2015
https://twitter.com/ArisPuff/status/678776345518669824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
While people are blaming Harvey for the mix-up, many are sympathetic to Miss Colombia.
If you ever think you had a bad day just remember Miss Columbia thought she was Miss Universe for 4 minutes and Steve was like SIIIIKEEE
— Layton Hart (@laytonrosehart) December 21, 2015
How can someone make the mistake of giving the title Miss Universe to the wrong girl & then take the crown off her & give it to someone else
— Lauren (@laurgarabedian) December 21, 2015
Dear Miss #Colombia… I'm sorry that had to happen to you. I feel real bad. You're still one of the most beautiful in the universe! Salud!
— Patricia Hizon (@patriciahizon) December 21, 2015