Things got awkward as the winner of “Miss Universe 2015” was announced Sunday night.
During the live broadcast from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, host Steve Harvey named Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez as Miss Universe 2015 — but she was in fact first runner-up.
“I have to apologize,” Harvey said after Gutierrez was given the Miss Universe crown and sash and was tearily waving to the cheering audience. “The first runner-up is Colombia.”
The actual Miss Universe, Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach, was then announced, and she made her way to the main stage confused and emotional.
“This is exactly what’s on the card,” Harvey said, showing off proof that Wurtzbach was clearly stated as the winner. “I will take responsibility for this. It was my mistake. It was on the card… Please don’t hold it against the ladies.”
Miss USA Olivia Jordan came in third, and could be seen explaining the mix-up to Wurtzbach.
“I’d like to apologize wholeheartedly to Miss Colombia & Miss Philippines for my huge mistake,” Harvey said on Twitter after the broadcast. “I feel terrible… Secondly, I’d like to apologize to the viewers at that I disappointed as well. Again it was an honest mistake.”
I'd like to apologize wholeheartedly to Miss Colombia & Miss Philippines for my huge mistake. I feel terrible.
— Steve Harvey (@IAmSteveHarvey) December 21, 2015
Secondly, I'd like to apologize to the viewers at that I disappointed as well. Again it was an honest mistake.
— Steve Harvey (@IAmSteveHarvey) December 21, 2015
I don't want to take away from this amazing night and pageant. As well as the wonderful contestants. They were all amazing.
— Steve Harvey (@IAmSteveHarvey) December 21, 2015