Over the past few days, Gloria Diaz, Miss Universe 1969, created a social media firestorm when she said that Miss Universe Philippines Maxine Medina has a "one-in-a-million" chance of winning the upcoming 65th Miss Universe competition.

But Diaz said her assessment, which she explained is based on the fact that no country other than the US and some US territories has ever had their candidate win in home soil, has been grossly misunderstood.

In an interview with DZMM, Diaz at first said she would be "telling a lie" if she asserted that Medina is a surefire bet to succeed Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Universe 2015, and earn the Philippines its first back-to-back titles in the pageant's history.

"Like I always say, everybody has a chance. But I think, out of everyone, Maxine will have the least," she told radio hosts Ogie Diaz and MJ Felipe, "But of course there can be an exception. There can be one exception and I hope this is the exception. People don't understand that it's very rare (for a host country's candidate to win)."

Laughing, she continued: "Bakit ko pa kayo bobolahin? But people are misunderstanding that I don't like Maxine. Don't forget that Maxine looks like Isabelle (Diaz's daughter), I mean they are the same type: Filipina beauty, morena and all that. She (Maxine) is beautiful at ang ganda pa nga gown niya. It looks so nice, her gown and make-up. But don't forget that we are the host."

Diaz has repeatedly defended herself by insisting that the only host delegate that won the pageant came from the US, or its other territories such as Puerto Rico.

According to Diaz's critics, her opinion, which she gave after meeting the candidates this year for the first time after the Governor's Ball, just sounded rather "bitter" and does not help Medina's chances at all.

"I'll be rooting for Maxine, people don't realize that," Diaz reiterated when asked if she will be watching the coronation day on Monday.

The beauty queen also remained in a joking mood when prodded for her message to her critics. "Sige na nga, I was just joking. Actually, Maxine is the one talaga who is going to win. Oh, OK na ba sila? Bakit? Si (President Rodrigo) Duterte nga nagbabago ang isip, eh 'di ako rin."

Photos Courtesy of Solar, LCS, MUO