Italy Mora, the Miss Universe contestant representing Panama, has been disqualified just days before the highly anticipated grand finale of the competition in Mexico City. The official reason for her removal from the pageant has not been publicly disclosed, but rumours suggest the controversy stems from an alleged unauthorised visit to her boyfriend’s hotel room.
According to reports from The New York Post, the 19-year-old beauty queen reportedly joined her boyfriend, Juan Abadia, in his hotel room without permission from Miss Universe organisers. However, Mora has denied these allegations, claiming her disqualification resulted from a heated argument with Cesar Anel Rodriguez, the director of Miss Universe Panama. She explained that the dispute arose over the event’s disorganization, and her boyfriend, Abadia, was present during the exchange.
Mora further revealed that tensions flared when Abadia disclosed he had covered some of her pageant-related expenses, including a $7,000 Carolina Herrera dress after the Miss Universe Panama organisation allegedly failed to meet its financial commitments. “Cesar said he didn’t have the money to cover the hotel or makeup costs,” Mora explained, emphasizing the frustration that led to the conflict.
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The situation reportedly escalated when pageant staff discovered Mora and Abadia together, leading to the allegations of an unauthorised visit. Despite her attempts to explain the situation to pageant officials, the decision to disqualify her remained final.
In a statement, Mora expressed her disappointment: “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 struggle even more.”
The Miss Universe organisation has stood by its decision, with representatives confirming that Mora’s case underwent an “exhaustive evaluation by our disciplinary commission” before the final ruling was made. The pageant organizers further stated that the decision was made “with the utmost respect for all parties involved” and reiterated that the welfare and transparency of all candidates are their top priority.
As a result of the disqualification, Panama will not have a replacement contestant at this year’s competition. The Miss Panama Organization has confirmed that they are arranging for Mora’s return to Panama, with the competition set to take place on November 16.