A Cuban resident in the United States shared on social media her disappointment and frustration after attending the Miss Universo Cuba pageant held recently in Miami.
Through a widely shared video, the internet user Yaki raised concerns about disorganization, disrespect towards attendees, and clear favoritism during the event.
The woman, who attended to support two friends participating –representatives from Ciego de Ávila and Villa Clara– described the event as “the worst organized” she has ever attended.
According to her testimony, despite having paid for her seat, her assigned location was not respected, and she was forced to give up the reserved spot for her husband to another guest, the Dominican Chiky Bombom. “They didn’t care who paid and who didn’t; they seated everyone wherever they pleased,” she said, visibly outraged.
Additionally, he criticized the event's logistics, pointing out failures in the visibility of the screens, the lack of organization in the crowd distribution, and the apparent improvisation in dealing with the relatives and friends of the contestants.
"I didn't see anything. The screens were just for decoration," he said, contrasting his live experience with the images broadcasted on television, which he described as "the best those who didn't attend could have done."
The viewer also expressed her dissatisfaction with the results of the pageant. Although she accepted that her friend from Ciego de Ávila did not make it to the Top 10 for being one of the last qualifiers, she considered it unfair that the representative from Villa Clara was not among the top five finalists.
She questioned whether “Miss Cristiana” (Lisbeth Fernández, from Pinar del Río) reached the decisive stage, implying that there was favoritism and a lack of transparency in the selection criteria.
Finally, he concluded his testimony by stating that he would not return to a Miss Universe Cuba pageant in Miami and warned others interested about what he described as an event that was “expensive and poorly organized,” with a half-empty auditorium and an experience that did not meet expectations.
Lina Luaces, who represented Santiago de Cuba, was crowned on Tuesday as the new Miss Universe Cuba, after surpassing 15 other candidates from across the country in a gala filled with glamour, elegance, and excitement.
During the event, the 16 contestants paraded in swimsuits and evening gowns, showcasing their poise, charisma, and confidence on stage. Several sponsors presented individual awards to the participants.
Lina Luaces, daughter of the Cuban presenter Lili Estefan and niece of the couple Emilio and Gloria Estefan, will now be responsible for representing Cuba in the 74th edition of Miss Universe, which will take place on November 21, 2025, at the Impact Arena in Pak Kret, Thailand.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Controversy in Miss Universe Cuba 2025
Why was attendance at the Miss Universe Cuba event in Miami considered a disaster?
Attendance at the event was deemed a disaster due to disorganization, disrespect toward attendees, and evident favoritism. Attendees, like Yaki, reported that paid seating arrangements were not honored and criticized the event's logistics, resulting in a disappointing experience for many.
What problems did Mía Donadio face during the competition?
Mía Donadio suffered facial paralysis due to a poorly administered Botox injection before the competition. This affected her performance, although she managed to make it into the Top 5. The situation sparked debate over the contest results, as many believed that Mía deserved a spot on the final podium.
Why has Lina Luaces' selection as Miss Universe Cuba been controversial?
Lina Luaces' election has been controversial because many question her "Cubaness" due to her life outside the island and her family ties in the entertainment world. Some believe that her success was more due to her surname and connections than to her personal merit. This controversy has sparked a heated debate about what it truly means to represent Cuba in an international competition.
What impact has the controversy surrounding Miss Universe Cuba 2025 had on the perception of the competition?
The controversy has polarized opinions both within and outside the Cuban community. While some defend Lina Luaces and her right to represent Cuba, others criticize the lack of transparency and the potential influence of external factors on the outcomes. These types of discussions reflect deeper tensions regarding identity and cultural representation in the Cuban context.
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