Beauty pageant controversies arise in Venezuela and Ecuador

Mística Núñez, the Venezuelan representative for Miss World 2026, has addressed social media rumors regarding a supposed outburst during a pageant activity. Núñez clarified in a live broadcast that there was no confrontation or tantrum, but rather a technical issue involving the translation of her prepared speech from Spanish to English. She noted that the situation also affected the representative from Paraguay and stated that those involved later offered apologies.

In Ecuador, beauty expert Osmel Sousa has sparked controversy following the coronation of Dalia Bucaram as Miss Universe Ecuador 2026. Sousa criticized various aspects of the gala, including the host's attire and Bucaram's appearance and demeanor. Tahiz Panus, the national director of the pageant, defended Bucaram and responded to Sousa, noting that the expert had previously contacted her in multiple years to suggest specific candidates for the competition.