Catriona Gray did not mince her words when she talked about current Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu who continues to face negative comments about her weight from social media trolls and pageant fanatics.
In an interview with select members of the entertainment press, the Miss Universe 2018 winner came to the defense of the reigning queen after the latter was criticized by netizens for supposedly gaining weight.
“I think it’s really unfortunate that the public still finds the need to tear women down in that way. We’re campaigning so hard that beauty queen or titles or Miss Universe should be more than an image,” Gray said during an interview where she was introduced as the host of Top Class, a P-pop reality show produced by Kumu, Cignal Entertainment, TV5, and Cornerstone Entertainment.
Gray added that the Indian beauty queen is not limited to her body shape since, as Miss Universe, she is working as a spokesperson, and “she’s been effective doing her role.”
“I feel that she should be celebrated. What message do we send to other young girls or young people in the public or social media when they read those comments and perhaps compare their bodies? There’s nothing that comes nicely out of it. Let’s not use derogatory terms in that way. Let’s celebrate women for what they give to the table,” she added.
The 28-year-old model and singer also shared encouraging words with women who are still struggling to realize their dreams.
“I really sympathize with young women everywhere because this pandemic has not been kind to everyone. It’s placed challenges on path to dreams that I don’t think any of us foresaw, but I would encourage those women to remember what their dream was. Your time has not passed, your time is still here, and it’s up to you to keep going towards your dream,” she stated.
Her advice to young women who have already found their niche, on the other hand, is to explore more and never stop taking on new challenges. And in doing so, she also reminds them to “stop and smell the roses once in a while to enjoy your accomplishments.”
“There’s always something next. We always look towards a certain goal but it never stops there. Even I can attest to that. My dream was the Miss Universe crown and after that, it became something else. It became an upward climb,” she related.
Meanwhile, the beauty queen, youth advocate, arts ambassador, and international personality has been introduced as the host of Top Class, The Rise To P-Pop Stardom – which is set to become the Philippines’ Premier P-Pop reality show competition.
With the help and guidance of fellow world-class personalities and very special guests, Gray will be overseeing the arduous but exciting journey and transformation of thirty talented male aspirants from being “students” to becoming one of the five “graduates” who will ultimately make up the next Filipino boy idol group.
“We believe Catriona is the perfect host for our show. We all know her strength and determination in reaching her goals. She also knows the value of preparation and excellence especially in making a mark on the world stage. Not only will she be able to weave the show together but she will also be able to impart important life lessons to the students and to all our viewers.” said Jeff Vadillo, Vice President of Cornerstone Entertainment.
Top Class is the result of a game-changing partnership between Philippine entertainment giants, namely: Kumu, Cignal Entertainment, TV5, and Cornerstone Entertainment.
“I’m very excited to be the host of this show because I love being a part of someone’s journey as they realize their dreams. And Top Class is the first of its kind, developing and discovering the next P-pop stardom,” Gray shared.
With the unique combination of expertise coming from each entertainment powerhouse, Top Class is poised to be the ultimate P-Pop reality show that will surely revolutionize the Philippine reality TV genre as we know it.
Catch the thrilling and dramatic new reality series this 2022 only on the Kapatid Network, TV5, Kumu, and on select digital platforms.