MANAGUA , Nicaragua (The Adobo Chronicles, Managua Bureau) – Nicaraguan authorities have barred the director of the national beauty pageant from re-entering the country after a Nicaraguan woman seen as a symbol of opposition to the Ortega government was crowned Miss Universe, media reports and exiled opposition members said. 

Karen Celebertti and her daughter were detained upon their arrival at the Managua airport — days after seeing 23-year-old Sheynnis Palacios crowned as the first Miss Universe from Nicaragua — and placed on a flight to Mexico, the opposition-linked La Prensa newspaper reported.

Following this development, Palacios now faces uncertainty over her continued reign as the new Miss Universe. Will Nicaraguan authorities also bar her from returning to the country or limit her travel and queenly activities?

Now there is speculation that if Palacios cannot fully fulfill her duties as Miss Universe, then the first runner-up takes over, as per pageant rules. That would be Miss Thailand, Anntonia Porsild. And if this happens, would Michelle Dee be officially named among the Top 5 finalists or even be declared first runner-up?