Steve Harvey, Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach Address Moving on from Pageant Blunder, Death Threats

By Julie Brown Patton
9699433
 NBC

Steve Harvey today brought Miss Universe 2015, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach from the Philippines, onto "The Steve Harvey Morning Show" to shed more light on what happened at the recent pageant when he mistakenly crowned the wrong winner during the live taping of the event. A remorseful Harvey spoke to the real pageant winner for the first time since his regrettable blunder. While she said his gaffe was tough on everyone involved, she forgives the 59-year-old comedian.

The talk show host said his mix-up made the pageant an "unforgettable night, but for the wrong reasons."

He also answered fans' questions during the first of a two-part special taping for his syndicated daytime talk show "Steve Harvey," titled, "Miss Universe: The Truth," reports ABC News.

Harvey revealed that after the Miss Universe show aired, his family received death threats because of his mistake. "They threatened my wife, [and] they threatened my children."

He also denied the mix-up was a premeditated publicity stunt. "I just wouldn't have brought that on myself. I'm perfectly comfortable with the fame level that I'm at."

Harvey also refuted claims that he missed Miss Universe rehearsals, stating he was at "every single rehearsal."

"Steve was there throughout all the rehearsals," Wurtzbach said.

"I don't know where that rumor came from, but I can tell you this -- he was there throughout everything."

Wurtzbach said she has no ill feelings towards Harvey because of his mix-up. "It was an honest mistake--mistakes happen," Wurtzbach said. "Don't beat yourself up for this anymore. Come on, let's move forward. Let's be happy."

"I was very happy that I won. But I was also thinking about (Gutierrez). I couldn't help but think about how tough this must be for her," said Wurtzbach, reports Daily News.

Part 2 of "Miss Universe: The Truth," will air on Tuesday, Jan. 19.

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