The 73rd edition of Miss Universe, which is due to take place at the Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City, has already caused the unexpected disqualification of Panama’s delegate Italy Mora. Her dismissal is due to a violation of the strict rules of the competition. She is believed to have been joined by her boyfriend, Juan Obadia, in his separate hotel room without prior agreement with the event organizers.
However, there have been rumors of a deeper controversy, with rumors suggesting a heated argument between Mora and Cesar Anel Rodríguez, the director of the Miss Universe Panama pageant. The disagreements reportedly centered on criticism of the organization of the event. (Also read: Miss Universe Italy Mora disqualified days before finals for ‘visiting boyfriend in hotel room’)
Mora’s Italy reacts to last-minute disqualification
Italy’s Mora addressed her early exit from the Miss Universe 2024 pageant via a statement on her Instagram stories after being assessed by a disciplinary committee. She wrote: “Regarding my withdrawal from the Miss Universe 2024 pageant: On November 1, 2024, I was informed that I was withdrawing from the pageant. While I was preparing to participate in the gala evening, the organization announced its decision that I should leave the contest.”
She added: “However, I want to express that I believe this was a harsh measure and that it could have been resolved through dialogue or a warning instead. It was a difficult event to process emotionally, especially given the time, effort, resources and support of those who have gone into preparing me to represent my country.”
Mora also addressed her fellow Panamanians, saying, “To my fellow Panamanians, I want to tell you that I have always been proud to represent Panama and I deeply regret not being able to continue this journey to the competition. »
She concluded the statement by asking others to respect her privacy during this difficult time and expressing her gratitude for the support and love she has received: “With this statement, I also hope to clear up any false information that is being spread about my departure and I ask for respect and privacy , as I go through this moment, I sincerely appreciate the support and commitment I have received, and I thank everyone who has trusted me in this moment. process”.
About More’s Italy
Italia Johan Peñaloza Mora (born 2005) is a Panamanian model and beauty pageant winner who won Señorita Panamá 2024. The 19-year-old beauty queen was preparing to compete among 130 international delegates at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City on November 16. .
