Sheynnis Palacios, crowned Miss Universe 2023, found herself in the middle of a social media storm during the highly followed Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Thailand. A few sharp-eyed fans noticed she hadn’t shown public support for her fellow Nicaraguan, Itza Castillo, and soon the internet was buzzing with accusations of distance, favoritism, or even indifference.
To everyone’s relief, Sheynnis didn’t let the speculation simmer for long. On November 21, she released a clear, straightforward statement explaining exactly why she could not publicly cheer for any contestant, even her own compatriot. And it turns out the reason has nothing to do with drama and everything to do with professionalism.
© Getty ImagesNeutrality Rules
Sheynnis began her message by saying any rumors about her not supporting Nicaragua were simply untrue. “I want to clarify an issue that has sparked comments recently. It has been interpreted that I did not support my country, Nicaragua, during Miss Universe in Thailand. And I want to make something very clear: that is not true.” With these words, Palacios opened a message meant to restore the truth about her behavior during the competition and to reaffirm the support she says she has always offered her fellow Nicaraguans.
In her explanation, Sheynnis details that her public silence regarding the contestants was due strictly to professional reasons. “I did not publicly mention any Top picks or show favoritism toward any contestant, and this had a professional motive: I was in negotiations to be part of the judging panel for this edition. Out of respect for the process, I remained completely impartial.”
She reminded fans that sometimes silence is not absence, but respect for the process. She explained that her neutral stance wasn’t personal at all; it was a requirement rooted in her ongoing negotiations to join the judging panel for Miss Universe 2025.
© Getty ImagesAccording to Sheynnis, those negotiations lasted until only a few days before the final show. Once she knew she wouldn’t be part of the official committee, she finally felt free to share her thoughts on the contestants. And yes, Nicaragua was always in her personal highlights. Her support simply didn’t play out on Instagram Stories, but it was there, based on what she says was Itza’s strong performance, presence, and evolution on stage.
The Moment That Sparked the Fire
Things escalated further after her appearance during Telemundo’s broadcast, where viewers noticed she didn’t mention Itza when sharing her predicted Top 5. That moment fed into the idea that she had overlooked her fellow Nicaraguan.
© Getty ImagesSheynnis calmly unpacked the misunderstanding. The segment wasn’t an open mic about every contestant; it was a precise question about who she believed had the strongest shot at the crown. Her answers—Côte d'Ivoire and Mexico—aligned strictly with what she saw onstage, not with national allegiance.
Integrity First, Drama Later
Throughout her response, Sheynnis emphasized her approach to the pageant world. She knows the pressure, the politics, and the endless opinions from everyone. She also knows that favoritism isn’t what the organization is aiming for. Each year is a clean slate, and the judges call the shots based on performance.
© Getty ImagesShe took a moment to thank everyone who had supported her through the whirlwind. Transparency and respect, she said, guide how she carries every role in her career, whether she’s wearing the crown, passing it on, or speaking from the sidelines.
Amid the controversy, she made sure to highlight something that truly deserved the spotlight: Itza Castillo securing a Top 30 placement for Nicaragua. A placement that marks the country’s third consecutive qualification at Miss Universe and a moment of pride worth remembering.
