Miss Universe Controversy Erupts As Viewers Claim Pageant Was 'Rigged' For Celeb Heiress
Luaces of Miami, Florida, was officially crowned Miss Cuba 2025 on Wednesday, earning her a spot in the prestigious Miss Universe pageant, which will be held in Thailand this November.
But what should have been a moment of celebration for the Miss Cuba winner has instead sparked controversy online.
It was quickly revealed that Luaces is the daughter of Univision host Lili Estefan, niece of legendary singer , and music producer Emilio Estefan. All three Estefans were born in Cuba, while Luaces herself was born and raised in Miami. Her mother, Lili, is estimated to have a net worth of roughly $500 million.
The beauty queen's background has left many Miss Universe fans crying foul, with several taking to the official Miss Universe Cuba Instagram page to express disappointment. Critics are calling the competition "rigged," arguing that Luaces' win had more to do with her celebrity lineage than her performance.
"This will be the last Miss Universe Cuba competition I watch. If you noticed, she was called first EVERY TIME. They should just skip the dog and pony show and name a sponsored winner without the pretend competition. It would save a ton of time and money!" one commenter wrote.
Another user declared, "Mi$$ Nepoti$m!!"
"They say no to dictatorship in Cuba but yes to corruption and nepotism," someone else said. "Great job, Cuba."
The comments didn't end there.
"I'm sorry and nothing against her, but there were better contestants," another Instagram user said. "Her last name and family connections is why she won. All of these contests are rigged."
"Why did they do the contest if it was already known who was going to win?" another asked.
"She was gifted the crown for being the daughter of someone you know," someone else said, adding the eye rolling emoji.
Luaces officially earned the title of Miss Universe Cuba 2025 earlier this week in a glamorous ceremony held in Hialeah, Florida, the cultural heart of Miami's Cuban-American community.
The star-studded event, streamed live on MegaTV and the Miss Universe YouTube channel, showcased Luaces' poise, charisma, and unmistakable stage presence. When asked what Cuban dessert she would be, she playfully responded, 'A pastelito de guayaba, tough on the outside, soft and sweet inside.'
But she also impressed viewers and judges with her deeper reflections. When prompted about her potential role as a leader and cultural representative, Luaces delivered a powerful statement, 'Being Cuban is my blood, my strength, my voice, my greatest pride.'
Despite being born in the U.S. and speaking Spanish with a noticeable American accent, Luaces addressed skeptics directly. 'I feel Cuban, not American,' she said, rejecting calls that she should have competed in Miss USA or Miss America instead. Her remarks received thunderous applause from the audience, including her famous relatives.
Luaces will go on to represent Cuba at the Miss Universe pageant this November in Thailand.
The emotional moment was particularly special for the Estefan family, who were out in full force to support her. International superstar Gloria Estefan took to Instagram shortly after the event to share her pride and excitement:
'I'm so proud of my great-niece @linaluaces, our new #MissUniverseCuba2025! From welcoming you into the world to watching you blossom through life's highs and lows, it's been an honor. Your relentless dedication has brought you to this moment. You will make us proud in Thailand at #MissUniverse2025! We love you endlessly!'
Despite the backlash, there has been no formal evidence or confirmation of foul play. Still, the uproar has highlighted ongoing concerns within the pageant community over transparency, fairness, and the influence of fame and wealth on outcomes.
Luaces has not yet responded publicly to the criticism. As she prepares to represent Cuba on the international stage, all eyes will remain on the Miss Universe organization and its commitment to impartiality in the months ahead.
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