The Miss Universe The organization announced that the representative of Panama, Italy Mora, will not participate in the contest scheduled for November 16 in Mexico City. This surprising news for many Panamanians was confirmed in an official statement explaining that the decision to cancel the 19-year-old was made following an “exhaustive evaluation by our disciplinary committee”.

“The Miss Universe Organization regrets to announce the withdrawal of the contestant from Panama from the Miss Universe 2024 pageant. This decision was made after a thorough evaluation by our disciplinary committee,” they began. “The Disciplinary Committee, charged with upholding the integrity and values ​​of the competition, conducted a full audit of the matter and, based on the information gathered and analysed, concluded that withdrawal was the most appropriate course of action under the current circumstances.” she explained.

© @italy.mora

They continued: “It is important to note that we have made this decision with the utmost respect for all parties involved. Our number one priority remains the well-being and transparency of all our competitors, who exemplify diversity, talent and dedication.”

Throughout the statement, the organization emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidentiality and respect throughout this process without giving further details about what would have happened at the hotel where the competitors are staying in Mexico City, where the concentration takes place, through various activities, which would help choose the finalists.

“The Miss Universe Organization wishes to emphasize the importance of maintaining confidentiality and respect during this process. Over the years, our pageant has been a beacon of diversity, inclusion and empowerment for women around the world. In this regard, adhering to strong ethical principles such as confidentiality and respect are essential to maintaining the integrity of our organization and the well-being of our participants.”

© @italy.mora

“Confidentiality is a fundamental pillar of any disciplinary process. By protecting sensitive and personal information, we not only ensure fairness and equity in our decisions, but also the dignity of all involved. As we move forward, we reaffirm our commitment to these principles, inviting all participants, supporters and media to join us in this commitment. We ask that everyone respect the privacy of our competitor in Panama during this time and avoid unnecessary speculation that could negatively affect all parties involved,” they said in the statement. .

“We would like to thank you once again for your continued support and understanding of our community as we work together to ensure that Miss Universe continues to be a platform for inspiration and positive change in the world,” they concluded.

Among many competitors, Italia Mora was in Mexico City preparing for the preliminary events to take them to the finals of the competition.

Panama’s reaction to Italy’s Mora withdrawal

In addition to the official statement from Miss Universe, Cesar Anel RodríguezThe President Señorita Panamá Oficial, held a live broadcast to share the news of her country. “We have no disagreement or conflict with the organization. We have been working together all day to make a statement and be able to inform you that unfortunately our country will not be represented, at least until today, in the next edition of Miss Universe.”

He continued: “I know there are a lot of questions, but I ask for the caution and respect we need to get everyone on the same page. Unfortunately, as a young woman, she made a mistake that is beyond what the organization can handle. allow and Miss Universe made the decision to withdraw her from the contest”.

Speculations are growing after Mora’s withdrawal from Miss Universe

César did not elaborate on the reasons that led to this situation and said: “What was that mistake? At the time when those situations should not have happened, that mistake was made. I will not go ahead to share it first because it is an agreement that I have to protect the candidate, who deserves the respect that she will continue to have from the organization, the appreciation from me, and she will continue to be Miss Universe Panama 2024. I don’t want to go into further details just her, but and all of us because behind it is a work team of many people.”

© @italy.mora

César accepted that he would have to give more explanations at some point, but for now he asked the public to stop the speculation since it was learned that Italy will not continue in the competition. “I’m really sorry that this happened, that she’s going through something like this, being such a young girl with a future ahead of her. I hope they don’t judge her. I hope they don’t attack her. I would expect from you, in – a kind of feeling of solidarity because what she is going through is not easy”.

Italia Mora reacts to her withdrawal from Miss Universe

Italia took to social media to share her version after her disqualification went viral. It was considered a “severe measure” that could have been avoided by establishing a dialogue between the parties involved.

“On November 1, 2024, I was informed of my departure from the Miss Universe pageant. At the time when I was preparing to participate in the gala evening, the organization informed me of its decision that I must leave the organization,” reads the beginning of her message .

© © IG: @italy.mora

Mora admits that she left her room and explains why she did it. “I was told that this action was taken due to failure to leave the room, which I admit occurred when putting on makeup and picking up personal items. Unfortunately, I trusted and followed the instructions, regardless of the consequences. to express that I believe it was a severe measure and that instead it could have been resolved through dialogue or a warning,” she added.

Mora said leaving the competition was a challenge for her and the team that had been training diligently with her for the past few months. “This event was difficult to digest emotionally, especially because of the time, effort, resources and support of the people who made it possible for me to prepare to represent my country.”

Italy said it has always represented its country with pride. “To my fellow Panamanians, I want to tell you that I have always proudly carried my commitment to represent Panama and I deeply regret that I could not continue on this path to the contest.”

Mora expressed her feelings about the controversial situation and hoped her message would put an end to rumors of her departure. In the last few hours, there have been various speculations about what happened. “With this statement, I hope to also clear up any false information that has been circulating about my departure and ask for respect and privacy as I go through this. I sincerely appreciate the support and affection received, and I reiterate my gratitude to all those who trusted. me during this process.”​​​​

Where will Miss Universe 2024 take place?

The countdown has begun for 73 Miss Universe contest, the most prestigious beauty pageant in the world. This year’s event will be held in Mexico City on November 16, returning to Mexico after the 2023 competition was held in El Salvador. A contestant from one of the 130 participating countries will become Miss Universe as the reigning queen, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, is to pass on his title.

For this special event, the Arena in Mexico City will be divided into 16 sections, offering excellent views of the competition, which takes place in two phases: the preliminary event on November 14 and the final crowning on November 16. Arena Ciudad de México is a prominent venue in the entertainment scene, hosting major national and international concerts, sporting events and other important occasions. With a capacity of over 22,000, it is ideal for large-scale events.

Find out here how much it costs to participate in Miss Universe.