Miss Universe Hong Kong Champion Caught in Dress Damage Dispute with Sponsor
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A sponsorship dispute has thrust the Miss Universe Hong Kong pageant into controversy just days after its 2026 finals concluded. Wedding dress shop owner Ah V reported to TVB's programme "The Pulse" that two designer evening gowns she lent to reigning champion Lee Si-yat for the pageant came back with extensive damage. The shop is now demanding nearly 10,400 Hong Kong dollars in compensation, while Lee disputes liability and accuses the business of defamation after the owner posted about the unpaid bill on social media.
Key Points
- The wedding dress shop provided two gowns: a main ball gown valued at over 100,000 yuan and a mermaid-style dress worth 72,800 yuan (approximately 85,000 HKD)
- Upon return, both dresses showed severe damage including completely snapped bead strings and torn beadwork, described as beyond ordinary seam issues
- Repair costs were estimated at 16,000 HKD, with the sponsor offering to split expenses at a discounted rate of 10,380 HKD
- Lee claimed the gowns were merely "walked a few steps and sat down" before beads broke, arguing Malaysian repair rates of 100-300 ringgit should apply
- Lee demanded the shop provide original purchase receipts and formal repair invoices from tailors before considering any payment
Why It Matters
This dispute highlights the potential legal and reputational risks in celebrity sponsorships within Hong Kong's pageant industry. The case underscores the importance of clear contractual terms regarding liability for borrowed or sponsored items, particularly when high-value designer pieces are involved. If the sponsor proceeds with Small Claims Tribunal action, it could set a precedent for how sponsorship disputes involving damaged goods are handled in the entertainment sector.
This dispute highlights the potential legal and reputational risks in celebrity sponsorships within Hong Kong's pageant industry. The case underscores the importance of clear contractual terms regarding liability for borrowed or sponsored items, particularly when high-value designer pieces are involved. If the sponsor proceeds with Small Claims Tribunal action, it could set a precedent for how sponsorship disputes involving damaged goods are handled in the entertainment sector.