Melissa Flores, reigning Miss Universe Mexico, set the record straight about a rumor that had recently been spreading across social media concerning the national costume she wore at the 72nd Miss Universe competition.
It turns out that people online were saying that Flores’ costume had been stolen from the dressing room during the broadcast. In an interview with El Universal, Flores denied the rumors and said the colorful costume was returned to the designer, Ángel Rámez.
“It’s fake news … no one has stolen it,” Flores said. “I don’t have the slightest idea where the rumor came from. Once I finished wearing the costumes after the stage, it was put in the suitcase and given to the designer.”
The costume, which was called “Los Colores de México: Guardiana Alebrije,” is said to be valued at approximately $575,000 or about 1 million pesos. In the same interview, Flores said the costume was created to symbolize the “colors, designs, culture, and traditions of Mexico.”
Miss Universe Mexico has been making headlines in recent weeks. Last month, it was announced that Lupita Jones, a former Miss Universe, would no longer lead the organization. Jones was replaced by Cynthia de la Vega, a former Miss Universe Mexico.
It was also announced earlier this week that Miss Universe Mexico will accept transgender women as contenders starting in 2024. “I think people are very happy, because now this range of options is opening up,” de la Vega said. “Beauty now has no limits, and we want everyone to be part of it.”
The 73rd edition of Miss Universe will be held in Mexico next year.