In a surprising development, Italy Mora, a 19-year-old Miss Universe contestant from Panama, was disqualified just days before the competition’s finale.
The Miss Universe organization cited Mora’s unauthorized visit to her boyfriend’s hotel room as the reason for her removal from the pageant. This decision has sparked controversy and left Panama without a contestant for the event scheduled in Mexico City on November 16.
The organization explained the disqualification was followed by “an exhaustive evaluation by our disciplinary commission.” Yet, they provided few details, fueling widespread speculation.
Reports indicate that Mora visited her boyfriend, Juan Abadia, without proper permission, breaching contest rules. Mora, however, attributes her disqualification to a disagreement with Cesar Anel Rodriguez, the director of Miss Universe Panama, concerning the event’s organization and unfulfilled promises.
Mora claims the dispute began over Rodriguez’s lack of support, which led her boyfriend to pay for necessities, including a $7,000 Carolina Herrera dress and hotel costs.
She described financial difficulties during her stay in Mexico, with her boyfriend covering essential expenses after Rodriguez reportedly admitted to financial limitations.
Mora shared messages suggesting Rodriguez arranged access to her boyfriend’s hotel room, adding complexity to the situation.
The issue escalated when pageant staff found Mora and Abadia alone in the room, although Mora insisted Rodriguez had been present earlier but left following their argument.
Abadia defended Mora, detailing his financial support during the competition. He clarified that he did not stay at the hotel but was there at Rodriguez’s request.
Despite Mora’s efforts to clarify the situation with pageant officials, the disqualification stood. She acknowledged the organization’s rules but criticized the lack of transparency and fairness.
Following her disqualification, the Miss Panama Organization stated they arranged her return to Panama, a claim Mora contested, saying a mutual acquaintance and Rodriguez paid for her travel.
Rodriguez has remained silent on the issue, focusing on upcoming competition preparations.
This incident ended Mora’s participation and raised broader concerns about contestant support and transparency in the Miss Universe organization. Now, Panama lacks representation, and Mora must work to restore her reputation amidst the controversy.
