The Miss Universe pageant aired on Sunday evening, but what should have been a celebration became the most cringeworthy moment of the year on television.
A few minutes after announcing Miss Colombia as the winner of the pageant, the show's host Steve Harvey walked back on stage. He interrupted Miss Colombia, who waving to the crowd in her new crown and sash with flowers in hand.
"Okay folks, uh..." Harvey said. "I have to apologize. "The first runner-up is Colombia. Miss Universe 2015 is Philippines!"
© Getty/AFP Ethan Miller
(L-R) Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez has her crown removed by Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega as winner of Miss Universe 2015, Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach watches, on December 20, 2015 in Las Vegas
"Folks, let me just take control of this," Harvey tried to explain. "This is exactly what's on the card," he said, holding it up for the cameras. "I will take responsibility for this. It was my mistake. It was on the card. Horrible mistake, but the right thing. I can show it to you right here," he said pointing.
"The first runner-up is Colombia. Still a great night. Please don't hold this against the ladies. We feel so badly but it's still a great night."
It's truly brutal to watch.
Here's a closer look at the ballot that caused Harvey to say the wrong name. You can see it says the third runner up is Miss USA, the second runner up is Miss Colombia, and the winner is Miss Philippines, although the countries are all written in very small print.
The ballot card that gave Steve Harvey problems pic.twitter.com/RE9CyTlNIx
- Robin Leach (@Robin_Leach) December 21, 2015Here's Steve Harvey correcting his error.