Former Miss World Stephanie Del Valle Diaz releases statement on 'defamatory allegations' against her and her foundation
Following a "frivolous and malicious lawsuit" filed against her and her Reignite Puerto Rico foundation, Miss World 2016 Stephanie Del Valle Diaz took to social media to release an official statement.
Last year, the Puerto Rican beauty was appointed by Miss World CEO Julia Morley to lead the negotiations for the hosting of the 70th Miss World pageant in Puerto Rico, whose aim was to generate exposure to the island, attract events of economic impact and help major social causes.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 concerns, the final show was canceled last December and rescheduled to be held this March with only the Top 40 semi-finalists are expected to return to compete for the coveted title.
Puerto Rico With a Purpose L3C, the company that was subcontracted to help organize Miss World 2021 on the island, cried out "lack of payments" worth at least $1.2 million.
According to the allegations, Stephanie and her foundation have "committed embezzlement or illegal appropriation of federal funds allocated by the government" for the prestigious event.
Read Stephanie's full official statement below:
In an exercise of transparency, verticality and fiduciary responsibility, I offer statements on behalf of Reignite Puerto Rico and myself regarding the defamatory allegations made yesterday.
The total of the federal funds that the government of Puerto Rico disbursed to Reignite Puerto Rico in advance for the promotion of the island through the celebration of the Miss World 2021 event, were frozen immediately after the cancellation of the event on December 16th. As a result of the cancellation, the funds have been returned in full to the Government of Puerto Rico.
Injecting economic development, resources and tourism to our island has been, is and always will be our mission. Our only intention has been to properly manage the funds and keep our foundation away from what is frivolously alleged here.
We reiterate to the people of Puerto Rico and the people around the world that my foundation, none of our officers nor I have committed embezzlement or illegal appropriation of federal funds allocated by the Government of Puerto Rico, as alleged in the frivolous and malicious lawsuit filed yesterday.
Our team together with our legal representation are working to answer the lawsuit so that the details of what happened are made public at the correct time.
Thank you Puerto Rico for allowing me to positively impact my Island and for always supporting me.
Photos: Stephanie Del Valle Diaz / Instagram
