Just weeks ahead of the official casting process for the next Miss Universe Belize (MUB), newly appointed national director Destiny Wagner has broken her silence on the controversy surrounding the franchise’s new ownership, pushing back against criticism and stressing that her top priority remains lifting up Belizean women competing on the global stage.
Wagner, who took on the role after the franchise was transferred to an El Salvador-based production company, says the appointment came as a completely unexpected turn. “It was definitely not something that I had on my vision board this year, but I’m a firm believer that when an opportunity comes your way, it wouldn’t have come your way if it weren’t meant for you,” she shared in her first public interview since taking the position with local outlet News 5. In fact, Wagner was only contacted about the role the day before her public appointment and signed her contract the night before the official announcement.
The cross-border transfer of ownership has sparked public pushback, with critics raising concerns about foreign control of the national pageant brand. But Wagner argues that foreign ownership of international beauty pageant franchises is far from an unusual practice, and that outside investment can deliver tangible benefits for emerging local talent. “A lot of pageants in Miss Universe or Miss Earth have franchisees that don’t live in that country but own the franchise, but what they bring is valuable resources that the young women can benefit from,” she explained. She emphasized that she would never accept a role that would harm Belize or the young contestants competing in the pageant, adding, “I have Belize’s best interests at heart, and I always will.”
Despite initial hesitation about stepping into the high-profile, controversial role, Wagner says she ultimately agreed to take the position after aligning with the production company’s long-term vision for the Miss Universe Belize program.
The leadership transition has not been without conflict, however. Former national director Destinee Arnold has already publicly stated she plans to mount a legal challenge to reclaim the franchise rights in 2027.
For the 2026 competition cycle, the process is moving forward as planned. An open casting call is scheduled for July 4 at Belize Pilates, running from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wagner confirmed that the national Miss Universe Belize pageant will be held in mid-August, with the winner going on to compete in the international Miss Universe competition scheduled for November.