Steve Harvey Miss Universe 2015 Conspiracy Theories: Host Did Not Announce Colombia As Winner On Purpose, Report Says

Comedian Steve Harvey found himself in a world of controversy and conspiracy theories after he wrongfully announced Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutiérrez Arévalo as the winner of Miss Universe 2015 Sunday night at Planet Hollywood hotel-casino in Las Vegas. In truth, it was supposed to be Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach who was crowned the winner. After the flub was revealed on live television, rumors soon began to circulate that Harvey purposefully announced the wrong winner. Gossip Cop, who famously debunks celebrity rumors, reported this was a lie.

There is no conspiracy: Harvey simply made an egregious error, Gossip Cop reported Monday. The host is embarrassed about the mistake, which was “completely accidental.”

Still, the rumor spread after Santino Rice, a fashion designer and television personality who served as a judge for the 2006 pageant, insinuated the gaffe was planned. “As someone who has been a Judge of The Miss Universe Pageant, I can tell you that it is totally and completely fake,” Rice said, according to Gossip Cop. “Everything went as planned. No one messed up. No one made a mistake. IT WAS A STUNT.”

Harvey, however, was quick to issue an apology. “ I'd like to apologize wholeheartedly to Miss Colombia & Miss Philippines for my huge mistake. I feel terrible,” he wrote Sunday. “I don't want to take away from this amazing night and pageant. As well as the wonderful contestants. They were all amazing. ”

The Miss Universe Organization also released a statement. "Unfortunately, a live telecast means that human error can come into play," it said via Fox representative Joanna Wolff. "We witnessed that tonight when the wrong winner was initially announced. Our sincerest apologies to Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez, Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, their families and fans. We congratulate Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach as Miss Universe 2015."

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