Miss Universe contestant Italy Mora has been expelled from the pageant after she allegedly made an unauthorized visit to her boyfriend’s hotel room.
The 19-year-old delegate was to represent Panama in the upcoming competition, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 16, in Mexico City, Mexico, and feature 130 contestants from around the globe.
According to local media, Mora’s aspirations were dashed after the Miss Universe organization announced that she would be dropping out of the competition.
The pageant organisers 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 argument, reportedly said he was in Mexico to help assist Mora with needs the organization allegedly didn’t provide.
Those needs included food, hotel fees and clothing — most notably a $7,000 Carolina Herrera dress, according to her boyfriend, who is a businessman and trainer.
The fallout from the dispute ultimately resulted in the beauty queen getting expelled.
“There’s a lot of speculation that needs to be cleared up because it’s impacting my reputation, and emotionally, it’s been difficult,” Mora said. “If I weren’t with my boyfriend, I’d be struggling even more.”
She attempted to convince the pageant organisers to overturn the ruling, but they declined.
Ultimately, Mora said she agreed to “take responsibility for my actions and accept the consequences.”
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 place.