The new Miss Universe from Nicaragua was caught up in a high-profile scandal after winning because of her past

The new winner of the prestigious Miss Universe title, Shanice Palacios from Nicaragua, is caught up in a loud scandal. Not everyone at home is happy about the beauty, as some details from her past that the government does not like have surfaced.

The country's opposition used the contestant's biography to incite people to protest against President Daniel Ortega. The details of the scandal were reported by ABC News.

After Shanice's victory, the official statement of the current government said that the country was "happy and proud" of its participant. However, the opposition spoke out, pointing out that the winner had participated in protests in 2018.

These tragic events of five years ago were caused by people's dissatisfaction with reforms, censorship, and other actions of the authorities.

The protests lasted several months and were accompanied by shooting, chaos, and deaths. At least 318 people were known to have died. The people did not achieve their goal - Daniel Ortega continued to rule the country.

Some Nicaraguans took advantage of a fellow citizen's victory in a beauty pageant to celebrate in the streets with blue and white flags indicating the opposition movement. This did not sit well with the current government.

The journalists found out that in 2018, the crowned queen studied at a university that was the center of protests against the regime. In addition, her page had photos from the protest and confirmation that she had participated, which have now disappeared.

Palacios, 23, said during the competition that she wants to work on mental health, as she has experienced debilitating anxiety attacks, and also to fight for gender equality.

The winner is currently in New York, where she posts videos. She did not comment on the scandal in her home country.

As a reminder, Shanice Palacios became the first Nicaraguan woman to win the crown at the prestigious pageant. We wrote about the beauty earlier. OBOZ.UA also showed how the winner looked like as a child.

Recently, the organizers of Miss Universe 2023 apologized for a gross mistake. There was confusion during the announcement of the finalists.

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