Miss Universe contestant Italy Mora breaks silence on her controversial disqualification, says ‘a measure too severe’

Updated on: Nov 15, 2024, 20:34:06 IST

By Akanksha Agnihotri, New Delhi

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Italy Mora breaks her silence on Instagram, sharing the truth behind her Miss Universe 2024 exit. (Instagram/@italy.mora)

Italy Mora opens up about her Miss Universe departure, calling the decision harsh and clarifying the misinformation surrounding her exit from the competition.

The Miss Universe 73rd edition, set to take place in Mexico City's Arena Ciudad de México, has already stirred up headlines with the unexpected disqualification of Panama's delegate, Italy Mora. Her dismissal stems from a violation of the pageant's strict rules. Allegedly, she was joined by her boyfriend, Juan Abadia, in his separate hotel room without prior approval from the event organisers.

However, whispers of a deeper controversy have surfaced, with rumours suggesting a heated altercation between Mora and Cesar Anel Rodriguez, the director of Miss Universe Panama. The disagreement reportedly centred on criticisms regarding the event's organisation. (Also read: Miss Universe contestant Italy Mora disqualified days before finale for 'visiting boyfriend in hotel room')

Italy Mora reacts to last-minute disqualification

Italy's Mora addressed her early exit from the Miss Universe 2024 competition through a statement on her Instagram stories following the disciplinary commission's evaluation. She wrote, “Regarding my departure from Miss Universe 2024: On November 1, 2024, I was informed of my withdrawal from the pageant. While I was preparing to attend the gala evening, the organisation communicated its decision that I should leave the competition.”

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A post shared by Miss Universe Panama (@missuniverse_panama_)

She added, "However, I want to express that I believe this was a severe measure, and that it could have been resolved through dialogue or a warning instead. This event has been difficult to process emotionally, especially considering the time, effort, resources, and the support of those who made my preparation possible to represent my country."

Mora also addressed her fellow Panamanians, saying, “To my fellow Panamanians, I want to tell you that I have always carried with pride the commitment to represent Panama, and I deeply regret that I am unable to continue on this path towards the pageant.”

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A post shared by peart Photography (@peartphotography)

She concluded the statement by urging others to respect her privacy during this challenging time and expressed her gratitude for the support and affection she has received: "With this statement, I also hope to clarify any false information circulating about my departure and ask for respect and privacy as I go through this moment. I sincerely appreciate the support and affection I've received, and I reiterate my gratitude to everyone who has placed their trust in me during this process."

About Italy Mora

Italia Johan Peñaloza Mora (born 2005) is a Panamanian model and beauty pageant titleholder, having won Señorita Panamá 2024. The 19-year-old beauty queen was preparing to compete among 130 international delegates at the Miss Universe competition in Mexico City on November 16.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Akanksha Agnihotri
Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More

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