In a surprising turn of events, Italy Mora, the 19-year-old Miss Universe contestant representing Panama, has been disqualified just days before the competition's grand finale.
Allegations that Mora made an unauthorized visit to her boyfriend's hotel room have left the Miss Universe organization with no choice but to withdraw her from the pageant.
This shocking decision has stirred controversy and speculation, leaving Panama without a representative at the competition, set to take place in Mexico City on November 16.
The Miss Universe organization released a statement explaining Mora's disqualification after an "exhaustive evaluation by our disciplinary commission."
However, the specifics of the violation were left vague, leading to a flurry of speculation. Reports suggested that Mora had visited her boyfriend, Juan Abadia, in his hotel room without proper authorization, violating competition rules.
Mora has disputed this narrative, claiming her removal stemmed from a dispute with Cesar Anel Rodriguez, the director of Miss Universe Panama.
According to Mora, the argument arose from frustrations over the event's disorganization and unmet promises.
She alleged that Rodriguez failed to provide adequate support, forcing her boyfriend to step in and cover expenses, including a $7,000 Carolina Herrera dress and hotel fees.
Mora detailed the challenges she faced during her time in Mexico, explaining that her boyfriend covered critical expenses after Rodriguez admitted to financial constraints.
"Cesar said he didn't have the money to cover the hotel or makeup costs," Mora revealed. She described how Rodriguez facilitated access to her boyfriend's room, making the situation all the more confusing.
"There are chats where Cesar says: 'You have to give Italy the key to go up to the room at dawn,'" she stated, sharing evidence of the coordination.
The incident escalated when pageant staff discovered Mora and Abadia in the hotel room. Although the staff only saw the couple, Mora clarified that Rodriguez had been there earlier but left abruptly after their disagreement.
This misunderstanding seemed to solidify the organization's decision to disqualify her.
"They didn't know if others were there before, but seeing just the two of us led to speculation," she said.
Boyfriend Defends Mora, Highlights Lack of Support
Abadia stood firmly by Mora's side, detailing the extent of his involvement in ensuring she was prepared for the competition.
"Italy didn't even have essentials-no shoes, no dress," he explained, adding that he covered these costs out of necessity. He denied staying at the same hotel, emphasizing his presence that night was at Rodr?guez's request.
Despite Mora's efforts to plead her case with pageant officials, the decision was final. She expressed her disappointment, acknowledging the organization's rules but lamenting the lack of clarity and fairness.
"I take responsibility for my actions and accept the consequences," she said.
Following the disqualification, the Miss Panama Organization shared a statement claiming they arranged Mora's return to Panama.
However, Mora countered this, revealing that a mutual acquaintance and Rodr?guez actually covered the travel expenses. As of now, Rodriguez has not addressed the allegations publicly, opting instead to focus on the competition's preparations.
The controversy has not only ended Mora's pageant journey but also sparked broader conversations about contestant support and transparency within the Miss Universe framework.
For now, Panama is left without representation, and Mora faces the challenge of rebuilding her reputation amid the fallout.