Miss Universe Owner Takes a Swipe at R’Bonney Gabriel for Having Less Instagram Followers

Miss Universe co-owner Raul Rocha has been under scrutiny since the controversial coronation night held last November 21. After both fans and experts questioned the results of this year's pageant, the Mexican businessman has taken to the online sphere to air out his sentiments about Fatima Bosch's win.

In a recent live video feed, Raul highlighted how Fatima's social media presence has grown significantly since her victory—a feat, he says, that wasn't achieved by past titleholder and Filipino-American beauty queen R'bonney Gabriel.

A matter of days after he made remarks about Miss Côte d'Ivoire Olivia Yacé and the limitations of her passport, Raul expressed how Fatima's success can be measured through her following on Instagram. "Just for your knowledge, Fatima has gained 3 million followers in just one week—a remarkable achievement by any standard," he said in a live video that has since expired. He went on to detail how the same growth was observed from past winners Victoria Theilvig of Denmark and Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua. In his words, these "prove their influence during their reigns."

He goes on to make a contrasting example out of 2022 titleholder R'bonney, who, he says, "has reached only around 800,000 followers in nearly five years." He adds that "the numbers speak for themselves" and that Fatima's win is validated by her "reach, engagement, and resonance with the public."

The news reached R'bonney, who took to her personal social media account to state how she's "so tired of being measured by follower count." Fans of the beauty queen and designer quickly rallied behind her, expressing support and calling out Raul for his claims.

In less than 24 hours after Raul's remarks, R'bonney ended up reaching more than a million followers on Instagram. In a celebratory post, she caveated that "it was never about the numbers, but people have looked down on me just because of my social media follower count."

She continues to thank her fervent supporters, saying how the platform helps her career as a designer who seeks to "use fashion as a force for good." The Fil-Am states: "It was always about advocating for the arts, making women feel beautful in my designs, and sustainability through my brand... "

"It feels crazy to celebrate this, but I’m happy. Let’s not forget there’s still a whole world out there beyond digital platforms. Human connection and impact is still what’s most important."

Her comments section was peppered with affirmations from fans and peers alike. Her fellow Miss Universe Catriona Gray emphasized her point that it's "never about numbers." The sentiment was echoed by globally adored Filipino couturier Michael Cinco and Preview 30 Icon and lensman BJ Pascual.