Joey Mead King discusses her departure from Binibining Pilipinas 25 years back
In the world of Filipino pageantry, the name Joey Mead King stands out as a beacon of resilience and self-respect. Over two decades ago, King, a renowned fashion and lifestyle icon, made headlines when she withdrew from the Binibining Pilipinas pageant. However, the real reasons behind her decision have remained a mystery, until now.
King, who was just 25 years old at the time of her participation, found herself in the midst of controversy. Critics questioned whether it was fair for an established TV personality to compete in the pageant, while officials were reportedly "worried" about her outspoken nature and perceived opinionated demeanor. They feared they would have a difficult time controlling her.
Despite the challenges, King's longtime friend JM Rodriguez encouraged her to join Binibining Pilipinas. King was eligible to compete for the Miss Universe crown, but the titles Miss World and Miss International were capped at age 24. However, King chose self-respect over the crown and walked away from the pageant.
In a recent TikTok video, King shared her story, revealing that the real reason for her withdrawal was deeply personal and complex. Anonymous text messages urged her to leave the pageant, and there were concerns about her citizenship, which she addressed with proper legal documentation.
Binibining Pilipinas matriarch Madam Stella Marquez-Araneta was saddened by King's decision to leave but entrusted her with a new mission to help train another candidate. King may have helped train candidates such as Maricar Balagtas, the first Filipina to win the Miss Globe International crown in 2001, or Michelle Reyes who won Miss Tourism International 2001.
King's journey did not end with Binibining Pilipinas. She returned to the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant with Marc Nelson, and her successful stint as a VJ for the V Channel solidified her place in the Filipino entertainment industry. Despite the controversy surrounding her withdrawal, King's story serves as a reminder of the importance of self-respect and the courage it takes to stand up for oneself.
Social media buzzes with discussions on Joey Mead King's decision to withdraw from Binibining Pilipinas, choosing entertainment career as an alternative. Celebrities, including King, often find themselves at the center of social media debates due to their public personas and the controversies that follow.
