The dethroned Miss Florida USA 2017, Genesis Davila, is filing a $15 million lawsuit against the pageant organizers for stripping her of her crown.
Davila, 24, was awarded the title on July 16 in Fort Lauderdale, but had to hand in her sash days later after pageant organizers alleged that she had cheated by having professionals do her hair and makeup, rather than using the hair and makeup artists provided by the Miss Florida organization. The executive producer of the Miss Florida USA pageant, Grant Gravitt, told Miami’s ABC Local 10 that he had “substantial proof” and complaints from fellow contestants that she violated rules.
During a press conference on Monday, August 1, Davila’s attorney, Richard Wolfe, announced that his client is suing the pageant owners — Gravitt, Tel-Air Interests, Inc. and IMG Universe. Davila is seeking damages for defamation and emotional distress, and her lawyer is filing an emergency injunction to restore her title.
Wolfe said that Gravitt claimed Davila was not a U.S. citizen, which is a false allegation. Then, Wolfe alleged Gravitt presented false evidence by citing an Instagram photo of a makeup artist applying eyeshadow to Davila, cropping out the date and claiming it was from the day of the show. The picture was actually from a July 9 photo shoot that took place days before the pageant.
“I am innocent,” the Puerto Rican beauty tearfully said during the press conference. “All these false allegations have taken me completely by surprise. I have faced many challenges in my life, but nothing like this. I am honest, hardworking, who was raised in ideals and principles. I am putting all of my faith in my attorney and the legal system to prove my innocence and save my reputation.”
Gravitt previously explained to ABC Local 10 that the pageant has a “zero-tolerance policy” when it comes to the rules. “Whether it’s something major or minor, it’s all about keeping an equal and level playing field,” he said. “Unfortunately, our title holder sought an unfair competitive advantage, and that’s just not acceptable in our system.”
Runner-up Linette De Los Santos has since been crowned Miss Florida 2017 in place of Davila.
