Miss Universe Nicaragua Director Charged In Alleged Coup
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- December 5, 2023
In an unforeseen turn of events shadowing the shimmer of beauty pageants, Karen Celebertti, the director of Nicaragua’s Miss Universe franchise, faces charges of conspiracy, treason, money laundering, and spreading fake news. This accusation comes on the heels of Nicaragua’s first win at the Miss Universe pageant, plunging the nation into a vortex of political and social turmoil.
The accused Karen Celebertti
The Nicaraguan police have alleged that Celebertti, along with two others, played a role in the “terrorist actions of a failed coup attempt” during the 2018 protests against President Daniel Ortega’s social security reforms. The law enforcement authorities claim that Celebertti manipulated beauty contests, using them as political ploys, purportedly financed by foreign entities. The police assert the possession of “telephone and technological memories” as part of the evidence against Celebertti, although the specifics of these allegations remain unclear.
The charges against Celebertti have sent shockwaves through the nation, especially following the historic victory of Sheynnis Palacios, who was crowned Miss Universe 2023 on November 18. This achievement marked a moment of national pride for Nicaragua, as Palacios became the first Nicaraguan to claim the prestigious title. The pageant’s glory, however, was soon overshadowed by the unfolding political drama.
Adding to the intrigue, on November 23, Celebertti and her daughter were denied entry into Nicaragua upon their return from Mexico, where they had engaged in Miss Universe-related activities. The reasons for this denial were not disclosed, leaving a shroud of mystery around their sudden exclusion.
The Miss Universe Organization, when approached for comment on the charges, indicated that they might be able to provide insights “later,” suggesting a careful navigation of the complex situation.
Rosario Murillo, Nicaragua’s Vice President and the wife of President Ortega, made cryptic remarks the day before Celebertti’s denied entry. Without mentioning the pageant or Celebertti directly, Murillo condemned what she perceived as the manipulation of Nicaragua’s triumphs for nefarious purposes. She stated, “To the vain, crazy and evil, stop taking advantage of so much beauty, joy and talent in Nicaragua. Stop manipulating the well-deserved triumphs of a pretty girl to hide your insignificance and inability.”
Miss Nicaragua, winner of Miss Universe 2023
This development has raised numerous questions about the intersection of beauty, politics, and the role of influential figures in shaping national narratives. As the world watches, the fate of Karen Celebertti and the implications of these charges on the Miss Universe Nicaragua franchise and its recent victory remain uncertain. The case serves as a stark reminder of the complex dynamics that often lurk behind the glamorous facade of international beauty pageants.
Ntianu Obiora is a versatile creative professional with over a decade of experience in publishing, marketing, communications, and digital strategy. She is the Online Editor at THEWILL DOWNTOWN
