Itiya Dube Crowned Miss Universe Switzerland 2026 Amid Leadership Controversy
Itiya Dube won the title of Miss Universe Switzerland 2026 at the Kursaal in Bern on Saturday night. Behind the scenes of the award show, however, the organization faced intense public criticism from last year’s winner, Naima Acosta, who was absent from the crowning ceremony.
Acosta publicly criticized the Miss Universe Switzerland organization for a lack of support, financial compensation, and professional guidance during her 2025 reign. While Dube celebrated her victory and announced her intention to use the platform to support pediatric cancer research, the event revealed a rift between past titleholders and national director Lina Poffet.
The Miss Universe Switzerland 2026 Crown and Dube’s Background
Itiya Dube, a 27-year-old born in Geneva to an Indian-Scottish family who grew up in Singapore from the age of 13, claimed the crown on Saturday evening in Bern. Dube holds a Master’s degree in International Marketing from King’s College in London. She stated that winning the pageant fulfills a longtime ambition and provides a platform to advocate for children’s cancer research. Normally, the reigning titleholder hands over the crown to her successor. In this case, however, last year’s winner Naima Acosta did not participate because she did not receive an invitation from the organization.
Acosta Pays for Pageant Expenses Without Salary
Naima Acosta stated that her tenure as Miss Universe Switzerland 2025 involved managing most responsibilities entirely on her own. She reported receiving no salary, manager, or monetary prize, and stated she had to pay for her own flights and outfits, a sentiment echoed by other former winners. Acosta explained that even her flight to the international Miss Universe pageant in Thailand was partially funded out of pocket and through a sponsor she secured independently. An episode involving a dental sponsor fell through after a scheduling mix-up, highlighting the communication breakdown between the 21-year-old titleholder and the director.
Director Lina Poffet Rejects Allegations of Neglect
Lina Poffet, the 52-year-old director of Miss Universe Switzerland, strongly rejected the accusations of inadequate support. Poffet countered that Acosta lacked personal initiative, stating that she invited the former winner to co-organize sponsorships and included her in Fashion Week events in New York and Milan. Poffet maintained that the organization fully covers one-week preparation costs—including hotels, full board, clothing, makeup, photographers, designers, and runway classes—as outlined in the official contract. Poffet attributed the conflict to unrealistic expectations, stating that some contestants assume winning a national title automatically translates into money and top-model status without requiring hard work.
Exclusion from the Finale and Calls for Structural Change
The conflict culminated in Acosta’s exclusion from the September 26 coronation event, where she was absent from the stage. Poffet defended the omission by citing a continuous lack of cooperation during their collaboration, noting she chose not to strip Acosta of her title despite a breach of contract, but opted instead to exclude her from public events. Acosta stated she harbours no personal animosity toward individual staff members but argued that the organization requires a structural overhaul due to the absence of a stable team and true continuity. Unable to place the crown on her successor in person, Acosta published a digital message on her social media story featuring a photo of Dube with the caption: «I am so proud of you. Your victory is very well deserved».
Frequently Asked Questions About the Miss Universe Switzerland Dispute
Who won the Miss Universe Switzerland 2026 title?
Itiya Dube, a 27-year-old master’s graduate from King’s College in London who grew up in Singapore, won the crown at the Kursaal in Bern.
Why did last year’s winner Naima Acosta miss the coronation?
Naima Acosta was not invited to the event by the organization, with director Lina Poffet citing a lack of cooperation throughout their working relationship.
What specific financial grievances did former contestants raise?
Several former winners reported receiving no salary and having to pay out of pocket for their own flights, hotel accommodations, and outfits during their reign.
What did the organization cover for contestants?
Director Lina Poffet stated that the organization fully covers the one-week preparation period, which includes hotels, full board, clothing, makeup, photographers, designers, and runway master classes.