Miss Pacific Islands Pageant head judge and local lawyer Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt is taking steps to clear his name following allegations of fraud levelled against him. 

He is also seeking accountability from those responsible for the controversy after the pageant's results in the Solomon Islands.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer on Wednesday, Leiataualesa confirmed that his legal teams in Samoa and the Solomon Islands were actively reviewing all aspects of the case. 

Their objective is to restore his reputation and hold those accountable for the damage caused. 

However, he clarified that his pursuit is not driven by vengeance but by a desire for justice. He emphasised the need for an apology, not just for himself but for the broader harm caused by the incident.

The controversy surrounding the crowning of the new Miss Pacific Islands two weeks ago has sparked significant division across the Pacific. 

Among the allegations directed at Leiataualesa were claims he tampered with and ripped the final scoresheet. These accusations led to an outpouring of harsh criticism online from various island nations. Additionally, he was subjected to a stop order, preventing him from leaving the Solomon Islands.

The Samoan government intervened in the matter, issuing a formal request to the Solomon Islands government for clarification on Leiataualesa’s detainment. 

This diplomatic step underscored the seriousness of the allegations and the potential impact on regional relations.

Leiataualesa, a veteran in the pageantry scene with extensive experience in organising and judging at local, regional, and international levels, acknowledged that controversies often follow pageant competitions.

“That’s the ugly side to pageantry,” he remarked. “At the end of the day, it’s a competition. Everyone enters to win, and if their contestant doesn’t take the crown, disappointment sets in. 

"People start making claims and searching for ways to validate their opinions. Unfortunately, there can only be one winner.”

Despite understanding the nature of such disputes, Leiataualesa admitted that he never anticipated the situation escalating to this extent. 

“This incident brought a lot of sadness. My 21-year-old daughter and 17-year-old son follow my work closely. While we can try to shield them, they are old enough to comprehend what’s happening, especially in today’s digital world,” he said. 

“Social media amplifies these issues, and as parents, we can only teach our children resilience in the face of negativity. I’m proud of how they have handled it. My wife has been my pillar of strength, holding everything together for us.”

Leiataualesa hopes that the controversy will soon be put to rest and that pageant organisers will learn from the experience. He strongly advocates for a thorough review of the rules and regulations governing the Miss Pacific Islands competition to prevent future uncertainties.

He firmly believes that the Miss Pacific Islands pageant, an initiative originally established by the Samoan government, should be permanently hosted in Samoa. 

“The pageant belongs to Samoa,” he stated. “Currently, it returns to Samoa every three years, but that should change. This is a tourism event initiated by Samoa, and our tourism sector should benefit consistently. By hosting it permanently in Samoa, we can ensure stability in planning, execution, and overall quality. We have the resources, experienced personnel, and businesses to make it a success.”

As the controversy continues to unfold, Leiataualesa remains steadfast in his pursuit of justice and the restoration of his reputation. He hopes this chapter will serve as a learning experience for the Pacific pageant community, ensuring future events are free from similar disputes.