President Nicolás Maduro assured this Monday that the Miss Universe crown had been “stolen” from Venezuela, adding to the avalanche of criticism that followed American R’Bonney Gabriel’s triumph.
“They stole our Miss Universe, Amanda Dudamel won on the street, well it can’t be that kind of robbery, she’s from Petare, she does community work there in Petare,” Maduro said during an appearance in Caracas.
Fashion designer and social activist Amanda Dudamel, daughter of former Vinotinto coach Rafael Dudamel, was considered one of the favorites to win the crown, but R’Bonney Gabriel was crowned the most beautiful woman on Saturday.
Dudamel, 23, was the first runner-up at the Miss Universe ceremony in New Orleans, USA, which sparked controversy that challenged the verdict.
Without alluding to criticism of Miss Universe, Dudamel – who was crowned Miss Venezuela in 2021 in a modest ceremony marked by the Covid-19 pandemic – thanked for his part of the support of the competition’s fans he has given to Venezuela 7 Universal Crown.
“I’m HAPPY, content and more grateful than ever!!! THANK YOU VENEZUELA for accompanying me to dream GIANT! AND THANK YOU to all the people from different countries around the world who have joined this path of illusion,” was part of the message on Instagram, which has garnered nearly half a million likes.
Texas Rep R’Bonney Gabriel is 28 years old and a sustainable fashion designer.
Venezuela has not won Miss Universe since 2013 when María Gabriela Isler, one of the current directors of Miss Venezuela, was crowned.