Miss Universe contestant Italy Mora, a 19-year-old originally set to represent Panama, has been expelled from the prestigious beauty pageant after reportedly visiting her boyfriend’s hotel room without authorization. The competition, which will take place on Saturday, Nov. 16, in Mexico City, Mexico, will feature 130 contestants from around the world.
The Miss Universe organization announced Mora’s disqualification following an “exhaustive evaluation by our disciplinary commission” concerning a “personal error.” However, specific details on the disqualification were not disclosed.
Rumors emerged that Mora, who was staying at a hotel in Mexico for the pageant, visited her boyfriend, Juan Abadía, in his hotel room without permission from the pageant’s organizers, according to reports by Jam Press. This alleged incident has caused her to be removed from the competition, leaving her pageant aspirations unfulfilled.
The Panamian pageant contestant has addressed the allegations, claiming that her exit stemmed from a heated argument with Miss Universe Panama Director César Anel Rodríguez.
She claimed she had gotten into it with the pageant boss over the event’s lack of organization.
In fact, Abadía, who was present during the tiff, reportedly said he was in Mexico to help assist Mora with needs the organization allegedly didn’t provide.
Miss Universe representatives addressed her dismissal in a statement
“It is important to note that we made this decision with the utmost respect for all parties involved,” they wrote. “Our No. 1 priority remains the welfare and transparency for all of our candidates, who exemplify diversity, talent and dedication.”
Despite Mora’s abrupt departure, a new contestant will not be sent to represent Panama in her stead, and the organization will focus on finding a delegate for next year’s competition.
