A recent scandal has shaken the Miss Universe competition with the expulsion of a contestant.
Italy Mora, a delegate for Panama, was removed from the pageant due to allegations involving an unauthorized hotel visit to her boyfriend's room, the New York Post reported.
Italy Mora, 19, was gearing up to represent Panama at the Miss Universe pageant slated for November 16 in Mexico City. The young contestant's journey to the pageant stage came to an abrupt halt after she was accused of visiting her boyfriend, Juan Abadía, in his hotel room without permission. This action led to her disqualification.
The situation escalated following a dispute involving Mora, her boyfriend, and César Anel Rodríguez, the Miss Universe Panama director. The argument centered around what Mora and Abadía perceived as the poor organization of the event.
Abadía had traveled to Mexico to support Mora, providing for essential needs such as accommodation and attire—he even purchased a $7,000 Carolina Herrera dress for her to wear at the pageant. However, the supporter's role took a controversial turn following his involvement in the dispute with the Panama director.
The Miss Universe organization announced that its disciplinary commission had conducted a comprehensive review and made the tough decision to disqualify Mora. The organization stressed that it took these actions with great respect for all parties involved and emphasized its commitment to the candidates' welfare and transparency.
Italy Mora took responsibility for her actions in an effort to have the disqualification reversed but ultimately accepted the consequences of her actions. She expressed concern over the blow to her reputation and the emotional toll the incident had taken.
There’s a lot of speculation that needs to be cleared up because it's impacting my reputation, and emotionally, it’s been difficult. If I weren’t with my boyfriend, I’d be struggling even more.
Following her expulsion, the Miss Universe organization decided not to send a replacement contestant for Panama. They will instead focus resources on preparing a delegate for next year's pageant.
The decision not to send another contestant from Panama reflects the short time frame left before the international event and the organization's commitment to integrity and thorough selection processes.
The Miss Universe competition, known for celebrating diversity, talent, and dedication, has faced challenges in the past. However, the current situation has brought a new level of scrutiny on how organizers manage rules and participant behavior.
Italy Mora's premature departure from the competition highlights the harsh realities and strict protocols that govern such major events. It serves as a reminder of the importance of both personal and professional conduct in the high-stakes world of international pageantry.
"It is important to note that we made this decision with the utmost respect for all parties involved. Our No. 1 priority remains the welfare and transparency for all of our candidates, who exemplify diversity, talent, and dedication,” said the Miss Universe organization in a statement.
The incident serves as a poignant example of the delicate balance organizers must manage between participant behavior and organizational expectations in a globally watched event. The Miss Universe pageant continues to strive for fairness and clarity in its proceedings ahead of the scheduled showcase in Mexico City.
