Emily Smith announced she has officially stepped down as Miss International Guam and will not compete in the upcoming pageant, saying she could not “in good faith” continue representing the island.
In a statement, Smith said she spoke with the Miss International Organization, which advised her to continue her journey under the Guam title. However, after reflection and reading feedback from the community, she decided to relinquish the role.
“First and foremost, I want to make this announcement very clear when I say I have officially stepped down as Miss International Guam,” Smith said. “After a conversation with the official Miss International organization, I was advised to continue my journey. However, I cannot in good faith continue this journey and will not be competing at the Miss International competition.”
Smith said she initially began the process believing she would represent Wales, where she has family ties. She said she was preparing to travel there to film required submission videos and develop national costume ideas.
Two days later, she said she was informed the plan had changed and that the pageant director had instead been granted the Guam title because Wales was not recognized as a territory within the organization’s current system.
Smith said she later accepted the Guam title and began planning trips to the island in April and May to volunteer, learn about the culture and meet with officials.
However, she said reflection made her realize the significance of representing a place with a strong cultural identity.
“A title is not something to simply take because it is available. It represents real people, real heritage and real pride,” Smith said.
She apologized to the people of Guam if her acceptance caused offense or made anyone feel overlooked.
“I personally wanted to step down from this title to honor the people of Guam and their heritage and lived experiences,” she said.