Miss Fiji Peggy Ravusiro says she did not refuse the opportunity to serve Fiji, but stepped aside after failing to reach an agreement with pageant organisers over contract terms she believed did not protect her rights, wellbeing and reputation.
Dr Ravusiro said the official explanation that she did not sign the Miss Fiji contract within the required timeframe was only partly accurate.
“The official reason given by the Miss Fiji Pageant organisers is that I declined to sign the Miss Fiji contract within the required timeframe. This is correct in part,” she said.
Miss Fiji Pageant director Ana Tuiketei-Bolabiu confirmed the appointment of first runner-up Ailava Samuels as Fiji’s representative to the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2026.
She said the pageant was four weeks away and registrations had already closed.
A medical doctor and the reigning Miss Labasa, Dr Ravusiro said she sought clarification and amendments to the contract, including protections against legal and financial exposure in cases of misconduct or reputational harm.
“I did not sign the contract as presented because I sought clarification and amendments to the contract in order to protect my legal rights, my wellbeing, and my reputation as a contestant and public figure.
“When I requested these standard amendments, I was informed by the Miss Fiji Pageant’s lawyers that they would not make any changes and would instead make the offer to my runner-up.”
Among her concerns was a clause requiring her to indemnify the Miss Fiji Pageant and its representatives against all losses, damages and claims.
Dr Ravusiro said she also requested a termination provision that would allow her to exit the agreement if the pageant or its representatives engaged in misconduct or behaviour that could damage her reputation.
She said she was further concerned by confidentiality requirements which, in her view, prevented her from seeking independent legal advice on a binding legal document.
“I engaged with the organisers in good faith, but there were no meetings or negotiations to discuss my concerns,” she said.
“Many of my questions were left unanswered, and my attempts to seek clarity were interpreted as disrespect or attitude.”
Dr Ravusiro described the experience as distressing and said she was subjected to demeaning treatment in a space meant to empower women.
“Inappropriate remarks were made about my body, my attitude and my character,” she claimed.
She said asking questions and advocating for fair treatment should never be seen as disrespect.
She thanked supporters across the country, Team Labasa and fellow municipal queens, and wished her runner-up well.
Miss Fiji Pageant director Ana Tuiketei-Bolabiu confirmed the appointment of first runner-up Ailava Samuels as Fiji’s representative to the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2026.
She said the pageant was four weeks away and registrations had already closed.
“After discussions with the national titleholder, she was unable to take up the role,” Ms Tuiketei-Bolabiu said.
“Dr Peggy Ravusiro formally declined to enter into a contractual agreement with the Miss Fiji Secretariat.”
Ms Tuiketei-Bolabiu said the Secretariat had a responsibility to ensure Fiji was represented by someone who was available and prepared.
Dr Ravusiro won the Miss Fiji title last month after representing Miss Labasa at the national pageant.
