Almost one month before the 71st Miss Universe competition in the US, organizers announced that Camila Sanabria will now represent Bolivia in the prestigious beauty pageant.
"Miss Universe is my biggest challenge as well as my big dream. I am preparing to represent my country in the best way. I am not perfect, I am aware that I have to improve and I am short of time, but I will work with my heart. I wish I could be real and authentic at all times… May this title highlight the best of me and of course the best of my country. Bolivia, thank you for this great opportunity!!!" wrote Camila, 27, on Instagram following her appointment as the new delegate for Bolivia in the international pageant.
Last Oct. 25, Camila represented Bolivia at the 2022 Miss Grand International pageant held in Indonesia.
The appointment of Camila came after Fernanda Favisic was stripped of the national crown for her alleged offensive remarks against fellow candidates in the Miss Universe Competition.
In a viral video, Fernanda allegedly mocked fellow Latina candidates, saying the delegates from Paraguay, Brazil, El Salvador are part of the "Mrs. group" while the girls from Aruba, Ecuador, Curacao belong to the "thank you girls" group. Miss Argentina was also mentioned in her video.
But Fernanda said that the viral video was only a social experiment to make the people aware of bullying.
Fernanda has already apologized for her action.
On Instagram, Fernanda issued a statement on the issue:
"The decision to withdraw the crown of Miss Bolivia is absolutely unfair, because I never made comments, nor racist or discriminatory statements against anyone.
"It seems unheard of that in the arguments it exposes for my dismissal, Promociones Gloria repeats accusations proven false, the same ones that abounded in social networks along with insults and grievances against me and my family.
"I also believe that a very negative precedent is being set for the Miss Universe pageant, since the title is taken away from a person for actions he did not commit.
"A beauty title is ephemeral and life is more than a crown. These bad moments leave good lessons that will help me grow as a person and fulfill all the goals I have.
"I take this opportunity to thank all the people and organizations that expressed their support to me at this difficult time," wrote Fernanda.
The 71st Miss Universe Competition will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana on Jan. 14, 2023.