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Miss Universe Paraguay addresses allegations surrounding her inclusion in Top 30

Article (news)

Jude Cartalaba

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1767153081570IMG_0343.JPG" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Miss Universe Paraguay 2025 Yanina Gomez</div>Miss Universe Organization (MUO) continues to get embroiled in controversies.After claims that the pageant was rigged in favor of <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/pageants-beauty-queens/2025/12/15/miss-universe-fatima-bosch-gets-homecoming-parade-in-mexico-1809">Mexico&#x27;s Fatima Bosch</a>, another issue emerged, tarnishing the name of another candidate: <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/9/25/miss-paraguay-yanina-gomez-trains-with-filipinos-for-miss-universe-2025-bid-1137">Yanina Gomez</a>, a lawyer and educator who represented Paraguay.Gomez was rumored to be the girlfriend of Dr. James Healy, who was previously announced as one of the members of the selection committee of MUO&#x27;s Beyond the Crown social initiative. Intrigues surfaced when she entered the Top 30 of the Miss Universe competition and eventually won the People&#x27;s Choice award. In an exclusive interview, Gomez addressed the allegations surrounding her inclusion in the first cut of the selected candidates. When asked how she took the matter, the beauty queen said she opted to remain calm amid the overwhelming situation. &quot;From the beginning, I clarified the situation on my Instagram live streams, always with respect and transparency,&quot; she said. &quot;My community knew the truth and supported me, even when there were attempts to belittle my career and my social work.&quot;Some observers described the issue with Gomez as a &quot;smokescreen&quot; to distract from the real results. The beauty queen refused to comment on that, saying: &quot;I think the important thing is to return to the facts.&quot; In a statement dated December 1, then MUO chief executive officer Mario Bucaro confirmed that he asked Healy to join the Beyond the Crown selection committee, but the latter eventually abstained from voting on projects.He also clarified that Beyond the Crown is separate from the Miss Universe competition.&quot;Consequently, during the committee meeting held on November 21... after the final Miss Universe competition, Dr. Healy abstained from voting on the committee&#x27;s selection of the social projects,&quot; Bucaro said. Sharing a screenshot of the statement posted by Gloria Suarez de Limpias, the national director of Miss Universe Paraguay, Gomez stressed: &quot;Today, with the organization&#x27;s public clarification, it is confirmed that the accusation was unfounded.&quot;&quot;Unfortunately, I would have liked the organization to have spoken out when the events occurred. The essential thing was always to maintain focus on the purpose and the positive impact,&quot; she added. When further inquired about an official investigation, Gomez replied: &quot;No, because there was no wrongdoing. The organization publicly clarified that the person mentioned was never a judge, officially closing the matter.&quot;<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1767154389023d8c51b83-5899-44b1-8362-c81f2227ae11.jpg" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Statement from Mario Bucaro, former CEO of MUO</div>Amid the rumors, Gomez responded with perseverance as she continued to work with communities for her educational projects.She said her experience did not affect how she perceives pageants. &quot;It reaffirmed the importance of using these platforms responsibly. They are powerful tools for serving and educating, and that is how I have always chosen to use them,&quot; she said. Though she didn&#x27;t advance further in the Miss Universe competition, the Paraguayan beauty queen is nevertheless thankful for all the support she has received. &quot;I am deeply grateful,&quot; she said. &quot;Your support, your respect, and your defense of the truth demonstrated that when a community is built on values, it remains strong&quot;&quot;As a situation clarified with facts and as a moment that strengthened my commitment to service, education, and social justice.&quot;As for what&#x27;s next, Gomez said without hesitation: &quot;To continue working for Paraguay, expanding social projects, and demonstrating that integrity and purpose always prevail.&quot;

After claims that the Miss Universe pageant was rigged in favor of Mexico's Fatima Bosch, another issue emerged, tarnishing the name of another candidate: Yanina Gomez, a lawyer and educator who represented Paraguay.

After claims that the Miss Universe pageant was rigged in favor of Mexico's Fatima Bosch, another issue emerged, tarnishing the name of another candidate: Yanina Gomez, a lawyer and educator who represented Paraguay.

Miss Universe Paraguay Yanina Gomez addresses allegations surrounding her inclusion in Top 30

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Miss Universe Paraguay Yanina Gomez addresses allegations surrounding her inclusion in Top 30

Jude Cartalaba

Published December 31, 2025 12:58 PM PHT

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Updated January 02, 2026 04:10 PM PHT

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