The owners of the Miss Universe pageant has issued an apology on the awkward mistake made by its host Steve Harvey when he mixed-up the results and announced a wrong winner.

In a message posted on its Facebook page, the Miss Universe organization said that since the coronation night was a live event, human error is inevitable.

“The excitement of live TV was evident tonight on The Miss Universe stage with over 10 million live fan votes tabulated. Unfortunately, a live telecast means that human error can come into play. We witnessed that tonight when the wrong winner was initially announced,” the statement read.

READ: Netizens post sharp, witty tweets vs Steve Harvey on Miss Universe gaffe

The statement then proceeded to apologize to Miss Universe first runner-up Ariadna Gutierrez and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.

“Our sincerest apologies to Miss Universe Colombia, Miss Universe Philippines, their families, and fans. We congratulate Miss Universe Philippines as Miss Universe 2015,” the statement ended.

Steve Harvey erroneously announced that Gutierrez won the pageant, only to rectify it minutes later.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJG_2drGkGc

READ: Miss Universe mistake crowns Colombia before Philippines

“Listen folks, let me just take control of this. This is exactly what’s on the card. I will take responsibility for this. It was my mistake. It was on the card. Horrible mistake… but I can show it to you right here. It was my mistake. Still a great night. Please don’t hold it against the ladies. We feel so badly, but it’s still a great night,” Harvey said.

He also took to Twitter to say sorry for his mistake.

Wurtzbach ended the Philippines’ 42-year title drought and is the third Filipina to ever win the pageant after Gloria Diaz in 1969 and Margie Moran in 1973. AJH