The pageant world in Chile is currently embroiled in a high-profile dispute following the sudden removal of Catalina Vallejos from the Miss Universo La Reina competition. The controversy, which has dominated social media and entertainment news, reached a new peak this week as the pageant’s leadership confirmed that a replacement has already been secured to represent the commune in the 2026 process.
The tension escalated when Eric Garrido, the Director of Miss Universo La Reina, revealed that the contract for a new candidate was signed shortly before the announcement. This rapid transition comes after a series of public accusations regarding Vallejos’ behavior and professional conduct, leading to a definitive break between the influencer and the organization.
Whereas the identity of the new representative remains a closely guarded secret in some official circles, the speed of the replacement underscores the severity of the rift. The situation has now moved beyond a simple pageant dispute, as Vallejos has indicated she will seek legal recourse to challenge her dismissal.
The Breakdown: Why Catalina Vallejos Was Destituted
The removal of Catalina Vallejos was not a quiet transition. According to official communications from the Miss Universo La Reina Chile organization, the decision was based on a pattern of incumplimientos en los compromisos
(failure to meet commitments), inappropriate conduct, and a lack of respect toward the team reported by Página 7.
Director Eric Garrido provided further detail on the internal friction, describing the behavior as conductas de carácter individualista
(individualistic behaviors). He pointed to significant problems regarding coexistence and the general dynamics of teamwork within the pageant’s structure, suggesting that the environment had become untenable according to T13.
Further criticisms from the director highlighted a limitada apertura a la autocrítica
(limited openness to self-criticism), which Garrido cited as a primary factor leading to the eventual termination of her role as detailed by FM Dos. These combined factors—professional negligence and interpersonal conflict—led the organization to conclude that her continuity in the 2026 competition was inviable.
The Replacement and the “Signed Contract”
The speed with which the organization moved to replace Vallejos has surprised many observers. During a recent appearance on the program Primer Plano, it was revealed that Eric Garrido had already formalized an agreement with a new candidate. The director reportedly stated that the contract had been signed just an hour prior to the news breaking, signaling a decisive move to move forward without the former representative.
Vallejos’ reaction to this news was one of shock. During a live broadcast, she expressed surprise at the timing and the fact that a replacement had been secured so quickly, recalling previous interactions with the director that she now views as warning signs.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| April 29, 2026 | Initial Announcement | Organization confirms the exit of Catalina Vallejos due to breach of obligations. |
| April 30, 2026 | Detailed Accusations | Director Eric Garrido cites “improper attitudes” and “individualistic behavior.” |
| May 1, 2026 | Public Defense/Legal Threat | Vallejos responds to the dismissal and announces intent to take legal action. |
| May 2, 2026 | Replacement Confirmed | Director reveals a new contract was signed to replace Vallejos. |
Legal Ramifications and Next Steps
Catalina Vallejos has not accepted the dismissal quietly. Following the public accusations of being “diva-like” and unprofessional, she announced her intention to launch legal actions against the organization. This move suggests that the dispute may transition from the entertainment pages to the courtroom, focusing on the legality of the contract termination and potential defamation.
For the organization, the priority is now the integration of the new candidate into the 2026 pageant cycle. The focus has shifted toward rebuilding the team’s image and ensuring that the new representative adheres to the professional standards demanded by the Miss Universo La Reina brand.
As of today, Saturday, May 2, 2026, the pageant has not officially released the name of the new candidate to the general public, though the signing of the contract is a confirmed fact. The legal battle between Vallejos and the organization is expected to be the next major development in this saga.
We will continue to monitor this story as it develops. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on the intersection of influencer culture and professional pageant standards in the comments below.