In a striking revelation during her appearance on the Overview Podcast with Joey Badubi, former Miss Botswana contestant Dabilo Moses did not hold back as she delved into the controversy surrounding her exit from the 2025 competition. Moses accused the organization of favoritism, claiming that the competition is “rigged” to ensure a specific contestant wins the crown.
Her bold statement, “They have a favorite they want to win,” has amplified public discourse on the integrity of the Miss Botswana pageant, which has already been under scrutiny following her earlier exit. The podcast discussion marked the first time Moses publicly addressed the allegations beyond her graceful social media post, where she appeared to bow out of the fray with dignity.
Moses’ Claims of Favoritism
When pressed about the basis of her allegations, Moses pointed to what she described as clear preferential treatment during her time in the competition’s early stages. While she did not name specific individuals, she cited unfairness and alleged biases in how contestants were judged
Her claims align with whispers from other corners of the competition, where fans and insiders alike have questioned the transparency that led to her not making the top 25 per Miss Botswana.
The Miss Botswana Organization has staunchly denied Moses’ allegations, releasing statements to counter her narrative. According to their detailed press release, Moses was evicted during the first boot camp based on performance metrics, along with several other contestants.
Key points from their rebuttal include:
• Merit-Based Evictions: The organization reiterated that evictions were carried out transparently, with no favoritism or pre-selection.
• No Withdrawals: They refuted Moses’ earlier claims of voluntarily withdrawing from the competition, emphasizing that her exit was based on evaluations.
• Commitment to Fairness: The statement underlined the organization’s dedication to treating contestants with dignity and providing them with avenues to report concerns.
Despite the organization’s firm stance, Moses’ new claims have reignited skepticism and intensified calls for greater transparency in the competition’s processes.
Public Reaction and Impact
Social media has been ablaze with reactions to Moses’ statements, with supporters rallying behind her bravery in calling out alleged injustices. “She’s exposing the truth about these pageants,” wrote one fan on Twitter. Critics, however, have questioned her motives, labeling her accusations as “sour grapes” after an early exit.
The controversy has also sparked broader conversations about the pressures faced by pageant contestants and the ethical responsibilities of pageant organizers.
Moses Stands Firm
Moses remains unapologetic about her remarks, stating that her experience in the competition was a reflection of systemic flaws in the pageant industry.
What’s Next for Miss Botswana?
As the Miss Botswana 2025 competition progresses, the spotlight remains firmly on the organization to address these allegations. With the Top 20 contestants gearing up for the next stages, the pageant’s reputation hangs in the balance.
The question now is whether this controversy will lead to meaningful reforms in how the competition is run—or whether it will fade into the background as the crown is awarded. For Dabilo Moses, however, the chapter is closed. With grace and dignity intact, she leaves the public with a lingering question: How fair is the journey to the crown?
