MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray has spoken publicly for the first time about the end of her engagement to actor Sam Milby, saying uncertainty over long-term commitment led to their breakup after four years together.
In an interview with broadcaster Karen Davila, the 32-year-old said Milby proposed but later realized he was not ready for marriage.
But she eventually reached a point where his continued uncertainty became clear enough for her to accept.
"There was a part in our relationship [when] he realized he wasn't ready to take it to that stage of commitment we thought we were on 'cause he had proposed. Months later (after he proposed to me), he realized he's not yet ready. That was very hurtful for me,” she shared.
“I was blindsided at the time and I really tried to make it work. I was willing to adjust 'cause maybe when you love someone, you're willing to understand them. Pero it got to that point na at that age and after we've been through, kung 'di ka pa rin sure, I think that's an answer,” she added.
But Gray eventually reached a point where his continued uncertainty became clear enough for her to accept.
"I realized that I needed to choose myself in that moment, because I've given so much in trying to adjust... I don't look down on myself at that moment because I did it because I love the person," she said.
Rumors about their split began circulating in early 2024. At the time, their management, Cornerstone Entertainment, said the couple was “facing some challenges in their relationship” and working through them. Nearly a year later, Milby confirmed they were no longer engaged. Gray chose to remain silent publicly and focused on her career.
Looking back, she described the period as painful but transformative. She revealed that she sought therapy for two years and leaned on close friends and family.
"Now, I'm so much better. I went into therapy for two years, and I became so close with my core group — my friends, my family — in a way that I don't think I had before. It's just been a really healing journey. I feel like I came back home to myself. The version of me now, I'm the healthiest I've ever been,” she said.
Gray also spoke candidly about her hopes for marriage and family.
"As a woman, I want to have a family. I want to get married, and I'd love to be a mom someday. So, I really want a partner who values me and sees that future too. I [don’t want to] around for someone to figure out," Catriona declared.
Despite the heartbreak, she said she has not lost faith in love. Gray confirmed she is currently dating someone outside the entertainment industry.
"Absolutely! I definitely [still] believe in love. I think if you have a bad experience with a guy or two, you shouldn't allow that to reframe or change how you see love. I think love is beautiful," Catriona noted.
Gray and Milby publicly confirmed their relationship in May 2020. In February 2023, the couple announced their engagement after Milby proposed during a trip to El Nido, Palawan. Speculation about their split began circulating in early 2024, and nearly a year later, Milby confirmed they were no longer engaged.