Miss Universe Panama Italy Mora. Image: Facebook/Miss Panama Universe
The 73rd Miss Universe pageant has already seen a delegate “eliminated” even before the actual competition has begun — Panama’s Italy Mora.
In a statement released on Nov. 1 (Nov. 2 in Manila), the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) said it “regrets to announce the withdrawal of Panama’s candidate from the Miss Universe 2024 pageant. This decision has been taken after a thorough evaluation by our disciplinary commission.”
Talks circulating online indicate a violent feud between Mora and another delegate, but no official account of such incident has surfaced so far. Her party has yet to issue a statement, and nobody else in the competition has come forward to speak about the matter.
“The disciplinary committee, charged with maintaining the integrity and values of the pageant, conducted a full audit of 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,” MUO’s statement said.
“It is important to note that we made this decision with the utmost respect for all parties involved. Our number one priority remains the welfare and transparency for all of our candidates, who exemplify diversity, talent and dedication,” MUO added.
“We kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of our Panama candidate during this time and to avoid unnecessary speculation that may negatively affect all parties involved.”
The 2024 Miss Universe pageant, the 73rd edition of the international competition, is taking place in Mexico with more than 120 participants, its biggest haul so far.
Reigning queen Sheynnis Palacios will crown her successor at the culmination of the coronation show at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City on Nov. 16 (Nov. 17 in Manila).
Chelsea Manalo is competing for the Philippines’ fifth victory in the international pageant, following Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015) and Catriona Gray (2018).
Filipinos may help propel Manalo’s chances of winning by voting for her on the official Miss Universe voting app. The delegate with the most votes will earn a guaranteed slot in the Top 30.