In a significant development within the beauty pageant circuit, the Miss Universe Botswana Organization has officially announced the withdrawal of the Miss Universe Botswana 2025 title from Lilian Andries. The announcement, made public via an official statement from Mossyde—the managing body of the franchise—cited multiple violations of organizational protocol and professional conduct, leading to the immediate termination of her reign. The decision comes after what the organization described as a "thorough review" of Andries’ actions and her working relationship with the Miss Universe Botswana team. According to the statement, the move aligns with the core principles and governance standards upheld by the organization.
Among the reasons cited for her dethronement were repeated unauthorized absences from key official events, including high-profile sponsor engagements, diplomatic meetings, and even a royal courtesy visit. These absences were considered detrimental to the visibility and integrity of the national title. Additionally, Andries was found to have interfered with brand operations by distributing promotional materials without proper approval, an action that breached intellectual property agreements and organizational exclusivity rights. Further complicating matters was her collaboration with an external team reportedly composed of friends, family members, and other unauthorized individuals whose activities conflicted with the policies and strategic interests of the Miss Universe Botswana Organization.
The report also highlighted instances where Andries allegedly undermined internal authority by involving political and government figures in internal decisions and bypassing official communication channels. This included ignoring direct instructions from the National Director and collaborating with fashion designers who were either unvetted or blacklisted. She is also accused of posting unauthorized content using the Miss Universe Botswana brand, despite clear directives against such actions. Most concerning to the organization was her unsanctioned interaction with official sponsors and partners, which, according to the release, involved spreading misinformation and acting without consent—thus damaging critical stakeholder relationships.
The dethronement of a national titleholder is not unprecedented in global pageantry, with several past instances in other countries where queens have lost their crowns due to contract breaches or conduct violations. The Miss Universe Botswana Organization’s actions reflect a firm stance on maintaining professional standards and protecting the brand’s integrity, both locally and on the international stage. As the search for a new representative is likely to begin, the organization has reiterated its commitment to upholding values of transparency, accountability, and excellence in national representation.
