Vanessa Castro was crowned Miss Universo Paraguay 2020 in a controversial finals held December 3 at the Resort Yacht & Golf Club Paraguayo in Lambaré.
The 27-year-old architecture major bested nine other candidates for the title and the right to represent the country in the next edition of the Miss Universe contest. She received the crown from last year’s winner Ketlin Lottermann.
Fan favorite Gabriela Benítez was named as virreina (vice queen), while Araceli Domínguez and Cristina Benitez were first and second princesses respectively.
Netizens were quick to point out that Castro did not participate in any pre-pageant activities and only showed up on the day of the finals. Castro did not have an official headshot in the official Instagram account of Reinas de Belleza del Paraguay. She, however, had an official swimwear photo posted in the account. Her name was also listed in the press releases for the Miss Universo Paraguay 2020 finals.
Reinas de Belleza del Paraguay and Promociones Gloria, the organizers of the contest, have yet to issue a statement regarding the issues surrounding Castro’s win.
Paraguay has yet to win the Miss Universe crown. It currently ranks 51st in Missosology Big 5 Ranking. Missosology.Org
