The Cuban model Mía Donadio, representative of the Isle of Youth at the Miss Universe Cuba pageant, reported on social media that she experienced facial paralysis before the event and held a close person accountable for what happened.
"Now I can finally speak freely: half of my face is paralyzed. Tomorrow I will tell everything", she wrote in her Instagram stories. In the same message, she added: “I am not an impostor; I simply cannot feel half of my face because someone I trusted let me down before the contest.”
The young woman did not provide specific details about what exactly happened, but her confession surprised her followers, who had already been showing strong support for her during the competition.
During the final gala, Donadio managed to enter the Top 5, but his exclusion from the final podium generated widespread debate on social media. Many users expressed their dissatisfaction with the result, asserting that Mía was their favorite to win. Among the comments, phrases such as: "The queen was Mía", "She deserved the crown", or "Talent weighed less than other influences".
"Mía Donadio will hurt me for life, not seeing her in Thailand representing Cuba," wrote a user. Others directly pointed to the selection process, with statements like: "They could have hidden it a little better," "I have no proof, but I have no doubts either," and "They didn't advance her to the Top 3 because they knew she was the best." Lina Luaces, who was crowned Miss Universe Cuba 2025, also received praise and congratulations from her supporters.
Despite the controversy, Mía expressed gratitude for the audience's support. “I heard all of you cheering for me from the moment I stepped onto the stage. I didn’t care how far I would go in the competition; just knowing that you believed in me was enough,” she wrote in another post after the event. For many, she was the true winner.
And although she didn't win the crown, Mía has made it clear that she feels like a winner: "I am a winner every day because I wake up and do what I love, and my family and friends support my crazy adventures. I'm truly so proud and happy!", she shared alongside a picture where she appears smiling, with flowers in hand and surrounded by loved ones. For her followers, there is no doubt: the queen was Mía.
Frequently asked questions about the Miss Universo Cuba 2025 contest and Mía Donadio's participation
What happened to Mía Donadio before the Miss Universo Cuba pageant?
Mía Donadio suffered a facial paralysis before the Miss Universe Cuba pageant, which she attributes to the betrayal of someone close to her. She shared this incident on her social media, generating surprise and support among her followers.
How did Mía Donadio perform in the competition?
Despite personal challenges, Mía Donadio managed to enter the Top 5 of the Miss Universe Cuba pageant. However, her exclusion from the final podium generated controversy and debate on social media, where many considered her the favorite to win.
Who was crowned Miss Universe Cuba 2025?
Lina Luaces was crowned Miss Universe Cuba 2025. She will represent Cuba at the 74th edition of Miss Universe in Thailand. Her victory was also celebrated by her mother, Lili Estefan, and stirred emotions among the attending audience.
What reactions did the outcome of the contest generate?
The outcome of the contest generated various reactions. Many fans of Mía Donadio expressed their dissatisfaction, stating that she deserved to win. However, Lina Luaces also received praise for her performance and for representing Cuba in the international competition.
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