Miss Samoa contestant embroiled in legal drama

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 28 August 2017, 12:00AM

A contestant in the Miss Samoa pageant, Miss Adele Fa’aosofia, has become embroiled in a legal battle in Melbourne, Australia, two weeks from this year’s Pageant.

Miss Samoa Victoria, Adele Faaosofia, has had legal action taken against her for allegedly breaching her “contract with CANTOA Organisation.”

The matter is before the Magistrate Court in Melbourne.

The group responsible for running the Miss Samoa, Samoa Events Inc (S.E.I.) initially rejected an incomplete application from Miss Samoa Victoria Beauty Pageant for Ms. Fa’aosofia. 

The rejection, according to S.E.I. was due to the fact that Miss Samoa Victoria Beauty Pageant did not meet the requirements or adhere to the rules of the pageant. 

Ms. Fa’aosofia then moved to be sponsored by another group, Miss Samoa Victoria Inc.

Their application was accepted by S.E.I.

But this has upset the first group, Miss Samoa Victoria Beauty Pageant, who have taken the matter to Court.

In a media statement issued by Pulotu Canada McCarthy, of Miss Samoa Victoria Beauty Pageant, he claims that Ms. Faaosofia should not be allowed to contest the Miss Samoa title.

“Court documents will be served to Adele as we speak,” the statement reads.

“Technically, Adele shouldn't be allowed to travel to the pageant to compete as the pending matter is now with the Court. 

“Should Adele still be travelling, the Samoa Pageant Office and C.E.O Laeimau Oketevi Tanuvasa, S.E.I and S.T.A C.E.O Sonja Hunter would be put on notice as this will be seen as they're aiding and abetting such a breach.

“The Magistrate Court have also be notified of Adele's movement in the coming weeks.”

Attempts to get a comment from S.E.I last week were not successful.

According to Pulotu, Ms. Fa'aosofia was stripped of her Miss Samoa Victoria Crown on Tuesday 15 August and therefore no longer represented the State of Victoria and the Samoa community under any leadership.

“She currently has no crown and title and she shouldn't be allowed to compete without any endorsement by our Organisation (as per Contract) and the Samoan community in Victoria.

“Also as per rules of the Miss Samoa Pageant:

The Eligibility for Contestants are : 

(a) 'That the contestant having competed in a pageant in the same year must stand down for a period of two (2) years before entering the Miss Samoa Pageant'.”

Pulotu claims that these rules clearly apply.

“Also, the for the record and previously highlighted in Laeimau Oketevi Tanuvasa's rejection letter - here's the rebuttal to her false statement;

'Historical Details Record' produced by the Australian Business Register, shows that our registration of the ABN was current at the time of holding of the pageant on 29th July 2017. Further 'Miss Samoa Victoria Beauty Pageant' was a registered business at the time of holding the pageant and was not in breach of the rules of the Miss Samoa Victoria Beauty Pageant 2017 competition.

“As the business name 'Miss Samoa Victoria Beauty Pageant' was registered and the ABN Number: 78 875 311 928 was likewise registered, Miss Samoa Victoria Beauty Pageant was not in any way breach of this rule of the Miss Samoa Pageant 2017 competition.”

According to Pulotu, the rightful Miss Samoa Victoria 2017 is Irene Monalisa Siania.

“Miss Samoa Victoria Irene Monalisa Siania is the official and legit Miss Samoa Victoria 2017 and she should be allowed and given the opportunity to contest at the Miss Samoa Pageant on behalf of the Samoa community in Victoria Australia.” 

It was not possible to get a comment from Ms. Faaosofia yesterday.

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 28 August 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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