Former Miss Universe Puerto Rico Jennifer Colón is speaking out after a segment on Puerto Rican morning television left her questioning how women, particularly working mothers, are treated when they pursue their professional ambitions.
In a public statement shared on Instagram on October 2, 2026, Colón directly named television personalities Johnny Lozada and Julio Núñez, accusing them of using their platform to diminish her work while discussing her personal and professional life.
© Jennifer ColónThe controversy centers on a segment aired on En La Mañana PR, broadcast on TeleOnce, where Colón says her career and personal circumstances became a topic of discussion.
Rather than remaining silent, the beauty queen and mother issued a forceful response, making it clear that her concerns extend beyond her own experience.
© Getty ImagesHer message was also directed at women who have been told their time has passed, that motherhood should limit their goals, or that starting over professionally is no longer an option.
What Did Johnny Lozada and Julio Núñez Say About Jennifer Colón?
The disagreement began when the hosts discussed Colón's return to beauty pageants, including her plans to compete in Miss Grand International All Stars 2026. During the October 2 segment, Núñez questioned whether competing in another pageant was an appropriate priority for a woman in her 30s with four children.
According to Metro Puerto Rico, Núñez asked whether Colón should instead focus on her education and professional development rather than continue pursuing beauty competitions.
His comments prompted criticism from Colón, who viewed the discussion as an unfair judgment of her choices as both a mother and a professional.
TeleOnce's own coverage confirmed that Núñez criticized aspects of Colón's previous Miss Universe performance, including her wardrobe choices. The network also reported that a female panelist, Carlisa, disagreed with the criticism and defended women's ability to pursue personal goals while raising children.
Jennifer Colón Responds: "I'm an Excellent Mom!"
Colón did not hold back when addressing the criticism. In a video response reported by Metro Puerto Rico, she declared: "¡Soy una excelente mamá!" The statement translates to "I'm an excellent mom!"
She also challenged what she considered an outdated way of thinking, asking whether society was still living in the Stone Age and whether those expressing such views were dinosaurs.
© Getty ImagesFormer Miss Universe Puerto Rico Issues Public Statement
The controversy took another turn when Colón published a written statement on her verified Instagram account, @jennifercolonpr. The October 2 post, titled "Comunicado Público," directly identified Johnny Lozada and Julio Núñez and criticized their treatment of her during the broadcast.
In the statement, Colón expressed disappointment that two men had used a television platform to diminish the work of a woman pursuing her ambitions while fulfilling her responsibilities as a mother.
She also acknowledged the female panelist who defended working mothers during the conversation. Her accompanying Instagram caption began: "Now the time has come to raise my voice."
Colón explained that she was speaking not only for herself but also for young girls, aspiring professionals, working mothers, and women returning to their careers after having children.
She referenced familiar messages women sometimes encounter, including being told that their time has passed or that their ambitions are inappropriate because they have children. She ended the caption with one emphatic word: "Enough."
Jennifer Colón Is Returning to Beauty Pageants
Colón represented Puerto Rico at Miss Universe 2024 and is now preparing for another international competition. The former titleholder, model, and presenter is a mother of four, a detail that became central to the television discussion.
Her upcoming participation in Miss Grand International All Stars 2026 represents another opportunity to compete internationally and continue developing her career in the beauty industry.
© Eyepix Group/LightRocket via GetWhile some commentators have questioned the decision, Colón sees her return as an opportunity to challenge the idea that women must abandon their aspirations after becoming mothers.
She explained that changing this mentality is one reason she wants to compete again.
Her position also reflects changes within the beauty pageant industry, where conversations about age, motherhood, representation, and professional opportunities have become increasingly prominent.
