‘Miss Universe Latina’ Contestant Suffers Fall During Live Taping
Credit: Telemundo YouTube
During a live taping of Miss Universe Latina, El Reality on Telemundo on July 20th, contestant Laura Pérez suffered an unexpected fall while competing in the program’s final challenge.
Cuban contestant Laura Pérez, was the first contestant to attempt the final challenge, which required contestants to walk across a raised platform and jump to reach a floating crown above the stage. A picture would be taken while the contestant is in mid-air.
Just as Pérez jumps off the platform, she grabs hold of her harness, but falls directly onto the main stage. The program’s host, Jacqueline Bracamontes races to her side, asking “Laura, are you ok?” Can you stand up?” As a cloud of fog covers the moment, the host asks for a medical team to assist while an emotional Pérez remains on the stage floor. Bracamontes promptly cuts to a commercial break.
Upon return, Bracamontes says that medics are checking on Pérez, and that the challenge was
cancelled to protect the safety of all contestants.
Viewers and supporters alike were outraged at the incident, saying that the program was negligent in their care for the contestant, and that the challenges that contestants had to endure have nothing to do with being Miss Universe Latina, El Reality.
“Jumping in the air, reaching for the crown and taking a picture— what type of photo can come out of a person jumping mid air?” says one viewer. “What does being an acrobat have to do with being Miss Latina universe? The program went too far,” says another viewer.
Another viewer shared footage of the production crew adding protective mats to the stage after the incident “Are you serious Miss Latina Universe?!” says the video.
Miss Universe Latina, El Reality is a program where contestants compete in several challenges to win the crown and represent US Latinas at the 74th Annual Miss Universe pageant. The challenge before the final jump required the contestants to float mid air and pose while in a space suit.
No updates or official statements have been announced regarding Pérez’ health, however her Instagram page continues to urge viewers to vote for her in the program’s grand finale.
The Miss Universe Latina, El Reality grand finale will air on Monday, July 21 on Telemundo at 7 PM. Eight finalists, including Pérez, will be competing for the crown.