On the night of Monday, May 6, the management of Miss Universe Mexico announced the dismissal of Cynthia de la Vega as regional director of the beauty pageant, and the appointment of the actress Martha Cristiana Merino as a new manager.
In the extensive statement signed by Osmel Sousa, advisor president of Miss Universe, the organization appreciates the dedication of Cynthia de la Vega; However, the news took on shades of revenge when social media users speculated about Lupita Jones’ responsibility in this surprising decision.
Jones, who served as director of Miss Universe Mexico for more than 30 years, was removed from the position in November 2023, during a visit to the country by the owner of the brand, Anne Jakkaphong. The decision, although surprising, seemed to be the result of public differences between the trans businesswoman and the former beauty queen over the opening of the pageant to the participation of transgender women.
Like pouring salt in the wound, Lupita Jones was replaced by Cynthia de la Vega, with whom she had a media rivalry that began a decade ago.when the Monterrey native was stripped of the opportunity to represent Mexico in Miss World for failing to comply with the internal regulations of the pageant, according to Jones.
However, Cynthia de la Vega denied the official version and repeatedly accused Lupita Jones of stopping her process because she was overweight.
Lupita Jones was not present to present the crown of the general directorate, instead, she turned to her social networks to regret the ways in which she was notified of her departure from the organization, and warn that inside or outside of Miss Universe, “there were queen for a while.”
Her words resonated strongly this Tuesday, when Lupita Jones published a story on Instagram, in clear reference to the dismissal of Cynthia de la Vega from Miss Universe Mexico. The image is a publication made by model Irma Miranda, where Jones appears next to Osmel Sousa, advisor president of Miss Universe, who made the decision to dismiss Cynthia de la Vega.
“I can’t deny the pleasure it gives me… SORRY BUT I AM TEAM QUEEN MOTHER FOREVER”reads the publication, to which Jones added “Thank you my beautiful queen @elsaburgossiller”.
A few hours after its publication on the social network, the image has circulated on social networks, where it encouraged speculation that Osmel Sousa fired Cynthia de la Vega in support of her close friend, Lupita Jones.
So far, Cynthia de la Vega has not commented on the dart thrown by Lupita Jones. The topic that she did address on social networks was her departure from Miss Universe Mexico. Through a statement, the wife of the driver Kike Mayagoitia assured that she was not removed from the position, but that she resigned to be consistent with her personal values, which were unrelated to the contest:
“It is with deep sadness that I announced the official separation of my position as National Director of Miss Universe Mexico, due to various changes with respect to what was initially proposed to me and that conflict with my principles and values.”stated De la Vega.
