On her Instagram account on February 28, 2022, Miss World 2016 Stephanie Del Valle posted that she decided not to attend the finals of Miss World 2021 - to be held on March 16 in Puerto Rico -for this reason: "It is contrary to my ethics and moral principles to continue working with an organization that has acted in a defamatory, frivolous and unfair manner; solely for the purpose of causing harm. "
Stephanie's post is originally in Spanish but has been translated into English:
At 19 years old, young and inexperienced, I traveled with a suitcase full of enthusiasm and hope for Washington, DC to represent PR in the Miss World 2016 competition. I did not travel alone, I carried PR in my heart. I prepared myself, and the rest is history. After 41 years, the Miss World crown returned to PR. It was a year full of enriching experiences, achieved dreams and lots of learning. Through my duties as queen I discovered my true passion: to do work for the good of humanity. In 2018 and 2019 I had the privilege of becoming the first Beauty with a Purpose Ambassador, with the endorsement of MWO that has counted on my loyalty and integrity since I was crowned.
Bringing the MW contest to our Island on its 70th anniversary was an idea that was born in my heart as a Puerto Rican. The intention of creating a worldwide positive impact for PR is and will always be my greatest wish. The events that have occurred in recent weeks are far from the reasons for which the Reignite Puerto Rico, Inc. corporation was created as a vehicle to achieve this objective. What was once my biggest dream has turned into a great and unfair nightmare.
It is contrary to my ethics and moral principles to continue working with an organization that has acted in a defamatory, frivolous and unfair manner; solely for the purpose of causing harm. Something I still can't understand. That is why, with great sadness, I decided that I will not be participating in the Miss World 2021 Final.
To all the candidates of MW 2021: thank you for becoming ambassadors of my country with love and enthusiasm. To the new sovereign, congratulations and remember to continue the legacy of Beauty with a Purpose as we cannot wait to see how you will impact the world.
To my dear PR, family, sponsors and followers, thanks for your support and solidarity. I'm sure PR will shine in the final. It fills me with satisfaction to know that this beautiful celebration will be achieved thanks to my initiative as a Puerto Rican, my team and the work of many, after 45 long years.
Let us never forget everything we have experienced together.
With love, Steph
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/CaihfygrHmp/
Just to be clear: Stephanie is not boycotting the finals because of Miss World, but because of the company that sued her, Puerto Rico With A Purpose, allegedly for embezzlement, which Stephanie strongly denied.
The finals will go ahead on March 16 as planned, according to a communication sent to the contestants today by the Miss World Organization.