Miss Universe Australia Moraya Wilson breaks her silence after family finance drama revealed
Miss Universe Australia Moraya Wilson has broken her silence following revelations she was embroiled in her family’s failed business scandal.
Fiona Byrne
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Miss Universe Australia Moraya Wilson has broken her silence about revelations that her father, Anton Wilson is a bankrupt property developer who has been banned by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission from managing companies until 2027 following the collapse of nine companies with debts of $45m.
Days after winning the Miss Universe title it came to light that Moraya, 22, a Melbourne-based school sports coach and model, was the director of 10 companies in the construction and hospitality space.
“I am not actively involved with any of the companies, despite being listed as a director, and sought resignation from all 10 companies in 2022,” Moraya said on Saturday.
She said she was focusing on her Miss Universe commitments and did not believe her father’s business activities impacted her ability to perform the role.
“I am not concerned, I believe I was selected on my own merits and I know that I have the full support of the directors of Miss Universe Australia,” she said.
“I regard family matters as private. However, I am grateful for growing up in an environment that offered me education and sporting opportunities that have helped me grow and develop as an independent woman.
“I have a career that I love, and I am forging my own path, which is all possible because of the opportunities I was offered in my childhood.”
Miss Universe Australia national director Troy Barbagallo said his organisation had full confidence in Moraya representing Australia at the Miss Universe International Final in El Salvador in November.
“A participant’s family, or any third party for that matter, has no bearing on our decision to award the Miss Universe Australia title each year,” Barbagallo said
“As an organisation, we don’t prejudge anyone, and we certainly don’t take into consideration the reputation of third parties, when assessing the candidates who choose to participate in MUA.
“As an organisation, and since inception, we believe we have a duty, to the best of our ability, to provide a safe and supportive space for all participants, to be their best and to make the most of the opportunities that MUA has to offer.
“Within the selection process, we certainly assess the character of each contestant, on an individual basis.”
He said Miss Universe Australia knew of Anton Wilson’s bankruptcy and ASIC ban prior to Moraya competing in the national final and became aware of the 10 companies in her name last week.
“We have also since learned that Moraya was not actively involved with any of the companies and that she had sought resignation from all companies in 2022,” he said.
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