Big Brother 26's Makensy Manbeck on the 'difficult' backlash to taking Chelsie

Makensy Manbeck doesn't regret the decision that cost her victory on Big Brother 26.

During Sunday's finale, the 22-year-old construction project manager won the final Head of Household and decided to oust Cam Sullivan-Brown over Chelsie Baham – who ultimately beat Manbeck in a unanimous jury vote in the final two races.

Manbeck spoke exclusively with The Post about dealing with the backlash over her decision to take Baham to the end, how she felt about Baham's final speech, not receiving any jury votes, and more.

New York Post: I know you've been asked constantly about your decision to take Chelsie. Was it frustrating having to explain it? The?

Makensy Manbeck: I thank you for asking this question because yes, it is difficult to understand this over and over again and having to constantly explain to everyone that I don't regret my decision, that I am happy with the result and that no one understands it Really will, unless you're in my shoes. I can say whatever I want, however often, in whatever way, and people will still judge me by it and not understand it. And that's okay because they don't have to understand it or like it because they weren't there to make it and they don't get to know why.

So I played a game that I stuck with. It's a true testament to who I am, the player I was and the person I will be outside of this house and what I wanted to highlight. And yes, I'm tired of this question, but am I aware that this question continues to be asked? Probably years later. For example: 'Do you remember when you chose Chelsie? Why did you do that?' You know, because I could and because I wanted to and because I don't have to explain it all the time. Deal with it.

We were both great people, two great players and both deserved to win. And one did a great job and won. And I am incredibly proud of her. And guess what? I will hold on to that because I chose her to be there. I knew she could beat me and I wasn't afraid of it.

Were you able to talk to the jury about why none of them voted for you to win?

I only spoke to Quinn very briefly, and it was more or less because they believed that Chelsie was a master manipulator and often took advantage of me, and I was naive about it. Again, people only know what they are told. And Chelsie did a great job painting this picture, great job on her jury questions. And I've done a terrible job of portraying the fact that that's not true. But at the same time, I'm the only one who really knows what my head and heart were thinking. The decisions I made and why. And I'm okay with that. I don't need the validation and voices of other people to show me and make me think that I played a good game, because all I know and have is myself and my own thoughts. I know I played a good game.

How did you feel about Chelsie's speech in which she acknowledged some of the steps you took?, including getting rid of Leah?

I think she believed that. And maybe that was because we were so close personally that she felt like I wouldn't have made that decision without her influence. I wasn't upset that she wanted to claim that. I was upset by the fact that in this moment, looking back, I can see how that was seen. But it paints a picture of Chelsie taking this step.

Nobody could have forced me to do this. No one was in my brain or heart. Have I spoken to Chelsie about this? Yes, because guess who I worked with? Chelsie. So I'll listen to her. Absolutely. Because I didn't just play for myself. I played for both of us to get to the end. And that's exactly what I did: I saw us both through to the end. And if she wants to claim that as her own, then so be it. We can see it in different ways. Agree, disagree.

And what is your relationship with Leah now, considering she didn't vote for you to win?

Great, I think. She knows I was game and she knows I love her no matter what. And I believe we will have a friendship for life and I can't wait to see how it grows outside of the Big Brother house.