Family of Miss Teen BVI contestant accuses pageant director of bias
According to reports reaching our News Centre, the family of First Runner Up, J'Seanna J. Barnes, has accused the Director of the pageant, Mr Rupert Vanterpool Jr of not being impartial.
The mother of Ms Barnes, Seanelle Jones, made her feelings felt about Mr Vanterpool by taking to the stage and telling them about her grievances.
Audio clip
The family then played an audio clip over a loudspeaker outside of the auditorium, which they claimed was the voice of Mr Vanterpool prior to the pageant.
"In their mind she should be winning, but she can’t win the show," the person on the audio clip could be heard saying about Ms Barnes.
The family claimed a winner was decided by Mr Vanterpool even before the pageant was held.
There was police presence at the pageant but it is unclear who summoned them.
Mr Vanterpool did not respond to our request for a comment.
The family of Ms Barnes said Mr Vanterpool has since reached out to Ms Barnes, however, could not say what the communication entailed.
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29 Responses to “Family of Miss Teen BVI contestant accuses pageant director of bias”
Congrats to the winner. She has noting todo with the outcome.
Sad but True .
Did the mother confirm that she had tried to bribe the organiser, and if not why was she paying $400 plus dollars. Was the voting procedure one of the one where you have to purchase votes and can vote many times.
I am sorry for the loser (first runner up in a contest of two) and for the winner whose day was ruined by the lack of class mother of the loser.
God this is embarrassing.
Melt the crown down and fill a pot hole.
Just remember the judges decision is final. Shame on the mot.
I know in Trinidad it got the Government's attention given the fact that these young ladies represent the country/Territory when they win the pageant.
How can we have a show with 2 persons? What kind of representation of the BVI is that?
I think this was a very embarrassing situation, not only for the contestants but also for persons watching in the audience and overseas.
Please can the Tourism, Culture, some department have oversight of these Franchise holders?
Unfortunate situation. Hopefully pageants are carried out with more dignity next time. Mr Rup… an apology should be issued… a heart felt one.. the families invested in your show….admit you were wrong. Many others are saying the same things about you… are they all lying? Honestly I thought both babies did a superb job, really talented. I feel the pain of the parents yes… however taking away another child’s moment of being crowned was very distasteful and disrespectful. Sad all around. So hurtful to watch.