Miss Panama Breaks Silence After Being Expelled from 2024 Miss Universe Pageant
Art by Alan Lopez/Credit: @italy.mora Instagram
Panama won’t have a contestant at the 2024 Miss Universe. Italy Mora, Miss Panama, who was set to represent the Central American nation at the beauty pageant, was expelled from the contest, according to an official communication from the Miss Universe organization. César Anel Rodríguez, President of Miss Panama, said on Instagram that the country was permitted to send another representative, but they didn’t.
Miss Panama’s expulsion came with many questions regarding what had prompted the Miss Universe organization to take such a stand. In their statement, the Miss Universe organization said that “the disciplinary commission in charge of maintaining the integrity and values of the pageant carried out a complete audit on the matter and, based on the information gathered and reviewed, has concluded that withdrawal is the most appropriate course of action under the current circumstances.”
Mora gave her version of the story in a statement posted to Instagram stories on Saturday, November 2. It read “On November 1, 2024, I was informed that I would be leaving the Miss Universe pageant. As I was getting ready to attend the gala night, the organization informed me of their decision that I had to leave the event.”
She added specifics, saying “I was told that this measure was taken due to non-compliance with leaving the room, which I admitted happened to put on makeup and pick up personal items. Unfortunately, I trusted and followed instructions without measuring the consequences. However, I would like to express that it was a severe measure and that it could have been solved with a dialogue or warning.”
Furthermore, Mora said, “This event has been difficult to assimilate emotionally, especially because of the time, effort, resources, and support of the people who made possible my preparation to represent my country. With this press release, I also hope to clarify any false information about my departure and ask for respect and privacy as I experience this moment. I sincerely appreciate the support and affection I have received, and I reiterate my gratitude to all those who have trusted me during this process.”
The Miss Universe pageant finale is on November 16 in Mexico City, Mexico.