Htoo Ant Lwin barred for life by Miss Grand International after crown-night dispute

Miss Grand International has imposed a lifetime ban on Myanmar national director Htoo Ant Lwin, citing what the organization described as a lack of sportsmanship and business credibility. The decision comes amid the fallout from the pageant’s latest competition and contestant Thae Su Nyein’s rejection of her second runner-up placement. The dispute drew attention on coronation night in Bangkok, when Htoo was seen removing Thae’s tiara and sash after she declined the result. The organization accepted her decision, but the director’s actions prompted a separate response from the pageant, according to the report. Thae later wrote on social media that she held no ill will toward the women who placed ahead of her. She said her tears were for people in Myanmar who had hoped she would win the national costume prize and bring the country the “Country Power of the Year” recognition. Thailand received that award, while the national costume contest’s three leading entries came from Brazil, Ecuador and Honduras. Htoo had also accused Miss Grand International president Nawat Itsaragrisil of making the crown available for a prize worth $25,000 and of accepting money from Indonesian pageant officials. Itsaragrisil denied the allegations and dismissed Htoo’s statements as “ridiculous,” the article says. At a Bangkok press conference, Itsaragrisil questioned Thae’s reaction and suggested that anyone determined to claim first place should create a pageant of their own. The exchange added another layer to a controversy that has continued after the competition ended, with supporters in Myanmar voicing their criticism of the event online. The report notes that the Bangkok-based Miss Grand International was holding its 12th edition. Neither Myanmar nor the Philippines has yet won the pageant’s top title.