“They stole our Miss Universe!” Maduro claims after the US crown

President Nicolás Maduro asserted on Monday that the Miss Universe crown had been “stolen” from Venezuela, adding to the criticism that emerged after American R’Bonney Gabriel’s victory.

“They robbed Miss Universe, Amanda Dudamel won in the street, well, it can’t be a robbery like that, she’s from Petare, she does community work there in Petare,” Maduro said during a show in Caracas.

Fashion designer and social activist Amanda Dudamel, daughter of former Venotinto coach Rafael Dudamel, was considered one of the favorites to win the title, but Raboni Gabriel was crowned the most beautiful woman on Saturday.

Dudamel, 23, was the first runner-up at the Miss Universe ceremony held in New Orleans in the United States, which sparked controversial reactions that questioned the verdict.

Without hinting at the criticism of Miss Universe, Dudamel, who was crowned Miss Venezuela in 2021 in a modest ceremony marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, thanked Dudamel, for his part, for the support of the fans of the pageant, which he presented to Venezuela in seven international competitions. crowns.

“I am happy, satisfied 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 joined this illusory road,” was part of an Instagram message that received nearly half a million likes. .

Texas State Representative R’Bonney Gabriel is a 28-year-old sustainable fashion designer.

Venezuela has not won the Miss Universe title since 2013, when María Gabriela Isler, one of the current Miss Venezuela managers, was crowned.