Radio Polynesia reported today that a developing legal dispute has resulted in the Solomon Islands authorities preventing two judges from the recently concluded Miss Pacific Islands 2025 pageant in Honiara from leaving the country. Among those affected is Jerry Brunt of Samoa, who was reportedly stopped at the airport while attempting to return home.
According to Cory Keil of Radio Polynesia, the incident involves a stop order issued by the Solomon Islands government at the request of a Tongan judge. It remains unclear whether the judge in question is affiliated directly with the pageant or holds an official judicial position. Brunt was reportedly detained alongside a judge from Vanuatu, with both allegedly treated as criminal suspects.
Brunt claims the situation was orchestrated by members of the Tongan delegation, who reportedly fled while he and the Vanuatu judge were detained. The controversy appears to stem from dissatisfaction over the pageant’s results. Speculation and online accusations have emerged, led by the Tongan judge, who allegedly believes that Miss Tonga should have been crowned Miss Pacific Islands. The judge reportedly suspects that Brunt acted dishonestly in delivering the scores, which saw Miss Samoa take the title.
The specifics of the accusations remain unclear, and further investigation is underway to clarify the legal basis for the stop order and the events that triggered the controversy. Additional updates are expected as authorities and representatives from the pageant provide more details.
Stay tuned for further developments on this unfolding story.
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