Sun Nov 17 06:38:04 UTC 2024: ## Miss Panama Disqualified from Miss Universe Amid Controversy
**Mexico City, Mexico –** Panama’s representative in the Miss Universe 2024 pageant, 19-year-old Italy Mora, has been unexpectedly disqualified just days before the final competition. The official reason cited by Miss Universe organizers is a violation of pageant rules, specifically for visiting her boyfriend in his hotel room without prior authorization.
However, Mora’s statement on Instagram suggests a more complex situation. She claims the disqualification was a “severe measure” and could have been handled with dialogue or a warning instead. Rumors are circulating of a heated argument between Mora and Cesar Anel Rodriguez, the director of Miss Universe Panama, possibly stemming from disagreements over the pageant’s organization.
Mora, who won Señorita Panamá 2024, expressed her deep disappointment at being unable to represent her country in the final competition scheduled for November 16th in Mexico City’s Arena Ciudad de México. She stated that she carried “pride in representing Panama,” and regrets not being able to continue. She concluded her statement by asking for privacy during this difficult time and thanked her supporters.
The incident has cast a shadow over the upcoming Miss Universe pageant, which will now proceed with 129 contestants. The controversy surrounding Mora’s disqualification continues to unfold, raising questions about the application and fairness of the pageant’s rules.
First Piper 