Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt, the head judge of the 2025 Miss Pacific Islands pageant was stopped at the Honiara Airport, in the Solomon Islands, amid controversy over the Miss Pacific Islands final result on crowning night.
The Office of the Prime Minister of Samoa this afternoon stated that Leiataualesa was about to return to Samoa but was stopped at the airport.
“The Government of Samoa has requested official information from the Solomon Islands Attorney General’s Office on the circumstances surrounding the stop order preventing Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt from departing Honiara today," the Samoa PMO stated.
“Through the Prime Minister’s Office, support to ensure legal representation for Leiataualesa is available while awaiting official details from Honiara. Leiataualesa was returning home after the Miss Pacific Pageant where he served as one of the five judges. He was stopped at the airport.”
Meanwhile, the Miss Pacific Islands host, Miss Solomon Islands Pageant official stated on Facebook, that they will be making a public statement soon.
“Right now there has to be series of meetings and reports to be finalised on findings in the last 48 hours before an announcement is done. We sincerely apologise for the slow response to the public which unfortunately cannot be avoided until all information is established by all parties involved.”
Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt was the head judge and one of five main judges who were responsible for the selection of the new Miss Pacific Islands. He is a lawyer, a Honorary Consul of Samoa to the Republic of Korea, and is the National Director for Miss Universe Samoa.
In the meantime, it is unclear why the stop notice was issued for Leiataualesa’s departure, but the event follows widespread speculations and allegations circulating on social media.
Video on crowning night
An unverified video circulating on social media from the crowning night showed what seemed to be an argument among the judges. One of the main judges is a Tongan, Ma’ata Tupou, who was seen to be arguing with Mr. Brunt.
The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant was developed by the Government of Samoa to promote the many cultures of the Pacific Islands region.
This year Miss Samoa was crowned and Miss Tonga was named the first runner-up out of eight contestants.
