Pia Wurtzbach, the reigning Miss Universe, has offered words of encouragement to Miss Columbia Ariadna Gutiérrez after the pageant scandal that left the world stunned.

Wurtzbach was crowned Miss Universe under dramatic circumstances, after host Steve Harvey mistakenly announced Miss Columbia Ariadna Gutiérrez as the winner.

In the wake of the misshap, the world came alongside Gutiérrez in support, including Wurtzbach, who says the two are “bonded forever.”

In an Instagram post, Wurtzbach offered words of encouragement for the runner-up.

“To Ariadna, you are an amazing woman and we are now bonded together forever by a unique experience. In the last 3 weeks we were together, I saw how strong and beautiful you are inside and out. You represented your country with honor and I know how proud everyone must be of you. Fate has a plan for you, and I’m excited to see what’s ahead.”

Wow. Words can't describe how grateful I am for this. It was quite a journey getting here with 3 attempts at winning Miss Philippines. Now, I finally got the best Christmas gift ever – and not just for me, for my country. I'd like to say thank you to everyone who believed in my potential and those who supported me from the beginning. To everyone who voted for me, especially to my fellow countrymen, thank you. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. To Ariadna, you are an amazing woman and we are now bonded together forever by a unique experience. In the last 3 weeks we were together, I saw how strong and beautiful you are inside and out. You represented your country with honor and I know how proud everyone must be of you. Fate has a plan for you, and I’m excited to see what’s ahead. And to all the fans who are still fighting about this…Please let's all stop now. The Miss Universe Organization is about uniting empowered women from all over the world. Arguing and sending hateful messages to each other defeats the whole purpose. You believe in the message of Miss Universe and so do I. Again, thank you for the love. I'm excited to begin my duties as Miss Universe and I wish everyone, all the contestants and all the supporters a great holiday with their loved ones. Happy Holidays and let's look forward to a great start to the new year! # #MissUniverse – Pia

A photo posted by Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (@missuniverse) on Dec 24, 2015 at 1:32pm PST

Pia Wurtzbach also added a message to fans who are still upset and arguing about the blunder via social media.

“To all the fans who are still fighting about this…Please let’s all stop now. The Miss Universe Organization is about uniting empowered women from all over the world. Arguing and sending hateful messages to each other defeats the whole purpose,” she said.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. Mahal ko kayo. #❤️ #MissUniverse – Pia

A photo posted by Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (@missuniverse) on Dec 25, 2015 at 9:26am PST

“You believe in the message of Miss Universe and so do I. Again, thank you for the love. I’m excited to begin my duties as Miss Universe and I wish everyone, all the contestants and all the supporters, a great holiday with their loved ones. Happy Holidays and let’s look forward to a great start to the new year! ” she added.

Wurtzbach said winning the crown was her best Christmas gift she has ever received.

“Wow. Words can’t describe how grateful I am for this. It was quite a journey getting here with 3 attempts at winning Miss Philippines. Now, I finally got the best Christmas gift ever – and not just for me, for my country. I’d like to say thank you to everyone who believed in my potential and those who supported me from the beginning. To everyone who voted for me, especially to my fellow countrymen, thank you.”