Italy Mora, Panama's representative in the Miss Universe pageant, has been disqualified just days before the competition's grand finale following a personal controversy.While officials have not provided specific reasons for her dismissal, rumors circulating suggest it involved an unauthorized visit to her boyfriend Juan Abadia's hotel room in Mexico, according to the New York Post. Allegedly, Ms.

0

Mora met Abadia in his separate hotel room without prior approval from event organizers.Mora, however, disputes these claims, stating that her removal stemmed from a heated disagreement with Cesar Anel Rodriguez, the director of Miss Universe Panama, over what she described as poor event planning.

1

She claims her boyfriend was present during the argument, which intensified after Abadia revealed he had covered her expenses, including a $7,000 Carolina Herrera dress, due to what they described as the organization’s lack of support."Cesar said he didn't have the money to cover the hotel or makeup costs," Ms Mora revealed.

2

The final straw came when pageant staff discovered Ms Mora with Mr Abadía, sparking allegations of an unauthorised visit to his hotel room.

her efforts to plead her case with pageant officials, the decision was final. Ms Mora confirmed her departure, expressing disappointment and noting that she complied with directions without foreseeing the consequences. "There's a lot of speculation that

3

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," said Ms Mora.The Miss Universe organization has declined to overturn their ruling, and Panama won't have a replacement contestant. The pageant management team said she had been subjected to an "exhaustive evaluation by our disciplinary commission" over the purported "personal error.

4

"Miss Universe representatives also addressed her dismissal in a statement. "It is important to note that we made this decision with the utmost respect for all parties involved. Our number one priority remains the welfare and transparency for all of our candidates, who exemplify diversity, talent and dedication," they wrote.

5

The 19-year-old beauty queen had been prepared to compete alongside 130 international delegates at the Miss Universe competition in Mexico City on November 16. Following her disqualification, the Miss Panama Organization released a statement confirming that they had arranged for her return to Panama.

6