Miss Universe contender Italy Mora has been banned from the famed beauty competition for reportedly making an unauthorized visit to her boyfriend’s hotel room.
The 19-year-old delegate was set to represent Panama in the forthcoming tournament, which will be held on Saturday, November 16, in Mexico City, Mexico. The tournament will feature 130 candidates from all over the world.
However, according to local media, Mora’s hopes were dashed when the Miss Universe organization announced that she would withdraw from the competition.
The pageant powers-that-be said she had been subjected to an “exhaustive evaluation by our disciplinary commission” over the purported “personal error,” but neglected to specify the exact reason for her departure.
However, rumors started swirling that Mora — who was staying at a hotel in Mexico — had joined her boyfriend, Juan Abadía, in his hotel room, without permission from organizers, Jam Press reported.
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.