Stephany Abasali, who represented Venezuela at the most recent Miss Universe pageant and placed as second runner-up, spoke out about the mistreatment she says she experienced from the Miss Venezuela Organization. The 25-year-old model recently handed over her national crown and named her successor, yet she never got the chance to properly say goodbye to her audience.
Her fans insist she wasn’t given the recognition she deserved, especially after not only finishing as second runner-up but also being named Miss Americas by Miss Universe.
© AFP via Getty ImagesDuring her visit to the set of “El Gordo y la Flaca,” Abasali addressed the controversy surrounding her exit from Miss Venezuela and the lack of support she felt from the organization. Acknowledging what happened at the national pageant, host Lili Estefan presented her with a large bouquet of flowers and offered her the chance to speak directly to her supporters.
“It was definitely a feeling of nostalgia that I wanted to share with my beloved audience, my dear Venezuela, who supported me from day one, who walked with me hand in hand, filling me with motivation and so much love,” said Abasali, who was born in Bolívar. “I didn’t get the chance to express that at Miss Venezuela, but I’m grateful to let you all know that I carried you with me in my heart, with all the pride and privilege it is to represent our country on an international level. Thank you for being the rock that sustained me throughout Miss Universe,” she added.
© AFP via Getty ImagesWhen speaking about how she was treated by the organization, Abasali revealed she experienced disrespect and almost no support. “Honestly, it’s no secret to my audience, to the people who know me, and to those familiar with this industry in Venezuela, that the relationship was not the best. There were moments when respect, professionalism, and empathy were simply nonexistent. I can name several occasions when this happened,” she said.
She added that the issue extended beyond her own case. “It’s unfortunate that this didn’t just happen to me but also to past queens and even staff members. Under this current presidency, the position of authority wasn’t managed well. That role is supposed to embody respect, education, and being a model for others,” she explained, without giving further details.
© Getty ImagesAbasali also noted that she arrived in Thailand, the host country for this year’s Miss Universe pageant, still “blocked” by the organization’s leadership. “I went to Miss Universe already blocked by the organization’s president,” she said.
Despite the tension and a discouraging environment, Abasali finished as second runner-up in the 74th edition of the international beauty competition.
© AFP via Getty ImagesThe fractured relationship became even more evident on the day she relinquished her crown. She wasn’t allowed to take her final walk as Miss Universe Venezuela 2025 or deliver a farewell message. Fans also noticed she didn’t receive a bouquet, a traditional gesture at events of this kind.
