Beauty queen Luren Márquez has recovered her crown as Miss Perú 2026 and confirmed her participation in Miss Universe 2026, days after being dethroned.
The sudden reversal follows an official announcement by the Miss Perú Organization last week stating that Márquez had been stripped of her title and would not take part in the international competition. However, two days after her dethronement, Márquez published a video clarifying that she remained in the race, a position that national organizers subsequently supported.
The controversy arises three months before the coronation of the successor to reigning titleholder Fátima Bosch. Miss Perú is the national pageant responsible for selecting Peru's official representative to Miss Universe, one of the world's most prominent international beauty contests.
In her video statement, Márquez admitted to making mistakes and accepted the consequences of her choices, noting that representing Peru carries a heavy responsibility. She offered a public apology to the Miss Perú Organization, national director Jessica Newton, and the supporters who had placed their trust in her title run.
Public Apology and Rumors of Financial Conflict
Expressing humble gratitude for a second chance, Márquez did not specify the exact errors or events that led to the initial decision to revoke her title. She acknowledged that the national pageant operates under strict rules and parameters that all participants must follow.
Márquez also voiced deep indignation regarding the rumors that surfaced following her removal. She rejected claims created by third parties who she said took advantage of her vulnerability to spread false information that did not correspond to reality.
Unofficial local reports in Peru had speculated about a possible financial conflict involving the crown and her tournament entry. Márquez categorically denied any statements that could harm her reputation or the standing of the pageant organization.
Uncertainty surrounding the crown had heightened after the Miss Perú Organization issued a statement declaring that Márquez ceased to hold the Miss Perú 2026 title, effectively canceling her representation at Miss Universe 2026 in Puerto Rico. The organizers did not provide specific reasons for the move, prompting widespread speculation before the official statement was removed from Miss Perú social media channels.
Preparation for Miss Universe 2026 in Puerto Rico
The situation took a decisive turn when Jessica Newton, the former Miss Perú winner and longtime director of the national organization, reshared Márquez's video on social media, confirming that she would continue as Peru's representative.
With the dispute resolved, Márquez stated that she is now concentrating entirely on her training, promising to prepare with responsibility and hard work. She noted that she will make history as the first contestant from the region of Ica, a coastal area in southern Peru, to represent the South American nation at the Miss Universe pageant.
The 75th edition of Miss Universe is scheduled to be held in Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory in the Caribbean. Ending all speculation regarding her status in the competition, Márquez told followers that she would see them in Puerto Rico.
