AMERICAN comedian Steve Harvey will host the Miss Universe pageant in the Philippines scheduled in January 2017.
This was confirmed by Tourism Undersecretary Kat de Castro in a recent radio interview. De Castro said the host/ comedian wants to personally apologize to the Filipinos after his infamous blunder in last year's competition.
"He wants to apologize to the Filipinos who were hurt because of what happened," De Castro said.
De Castro added that even President Rodrigo Duterte was surprised by the decision of the Miss Universe organization.
"Sabi niya, 'Bakit? He is a disaster'. Ginanun ako ni Presidente. Sabi ko, 'Sir, mukhang iyon na po talaga ang naging desisyon ng mga taga Miss Universe.'"
To recall, Harvey mistakenly announced Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez as Miss Universe 2015 instead of Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach.
Minutes after the announcement, Harvey went back on stage and called the attention of everyone. He admitted to have made a "horrible mistake" and clarified that Wurtzbach was the rightful winner.
This development came after the Department of Tourism confirmed that the country will host the 65th edition of the Miss Universe pageant on January 30, 2017.