America's Miss World Franchise Woes Continue
Elizabeth Safrit, the 2nd runner-up to Miss World 2014 and franchise holder of Miss World in the United States, announced earlier this week that she will be ending her contract with the Miss World Organization. Safrit, a former Miss United States, has had close ties with the Miss World Organization since her she was sent to represent her country in London.
Last year, it was announced that Safrit and her mother, Lynne, had decided to take over the franchise in the United States and start a Miss Teen World America in addition to their America's Miss World contest. At the time, Elizabeth explained their decision in a media statement, “It is with great honor that we accept leadership of Miss World in the United States. Having experienced Miss World firsthand, I can attest to the value of the organization and the platform that Miss World gives women to embrace new cultures and experiences, all while encouraging them to pursue higher achievement.”
The pair staged one edition of their America's Miss World contest in Orlando Florida. The event was attended by Miss World CEO, Julia Morley, and Miss World 2016, Stephanie del Valle from Puerto Rico. The contest was won by Clarissa Bowers from Miami. She made it to the top 40 of Miss World 2017 in Sanya, China.
In a surprise announcement earlier this week, Safrit announced the following on her facebook page:
"After four very fond years, I have decided to part ways with the Miss World Organization this week. While I greatly enjoyed my time directing the national organization and rebuilding and growing the brand in the United States, I am not renewing my contract for 2018 nor will my family renew our license for the national organization. We remain fans of the Miss World pageant and have the utmost respect for Beauty with a Purpose. Thank you to the Miss World Organization for the many opportunities awarded to me throughout the years- we wish the Miss World Organization all the best in their efforts and hope to see it thrive in the future.
In the past year, we were so proud to have created a new image for Miss World America of honesty, integrity, and focus on the beauty of women beyond physicality. We brought back an emphasis on philanthropy and raised over $30,000 for Best Buddies Florida and partnered with Healing the Children to better serve children worldwide. We founded the Miss Teen World America pageant, which encourages teens to be proud of their accomplishments, intelligence, and humanitarianism. We were honored to receive several accolades for the Best Production and Best Pageant of 2017. It made our hard work so worth the long hours to have this respect from our peers in the industry.
I have, however, agreed to continue to manage the appearance schedule of our two very special titleholders, Miss World America and Miss Teen World America, during this transition process. Thank you to two of the most incredible titleholders the Miss World Organization has ever had- Miss World America, Clarissa Bowers, and Miss Teen World America, Gracen Grainger. We couldn’t have dreamed of two young women more perfect for your jobs; you represent the organization so beautifully. We have many more memories ahead and I will always treasure our time together.
I’m looking forward to focusing on completing my thesis during my last semester of graduate school at Georgetown and continuing on to my next opportunity. Thank you to everyone for your support and your understanding!"
Following a question from a fan on the facebook page of popular forum, USB, Safrit further explained their decision: " I've been under contract with MWO since 2014. Crazy it's been that long! It was simply a business decision, no hard feelings. Just not the right fit to do business together- too varied in our strategy and belief of what we should be doing in the US. I wish them all the best and I'll always be a fan!"
The American Miss World franchise has changed hands three times in the last four years. Miss World's new license holder in the United States is expected to be announced in the coming months.
Article written for Global Beauties by Andre Sleigh