Ingrid Marie Rivera topped 29 other women to become Puerto Rico's 2008 Miss Universe contestant, despite applying makeup and wearing evening gowns that had been coated with pepper spray.
Pageant organizers are investigating who could have pepper sprayed Rivera's gowns and makeup, which caused her hives.
Rivera was composed while appearing before cameras and judges throughout the competition. However, once backstage, she had to strip off her clothes and apply ice bags to her face and body, which swelled and broke out in hives twice.
Rivera's clothing and makeup later tested positive for pepper spray.
Someone also stole Rivera's bag containing her gowns, makeup and credit cards. A bomb threat forced pageant officials to postpone the last day of competition on Thursday, said Magali Febles, director of the Miss Puerto Rico Universe pageant.
Beauty competitions in the Puerto Rico are fierce, drawing boisterous audiences and accusations of rigged results. Puerto Rico boasts five Miss Universe titles, second only to the U.S.
Rivera, who won Miss World Caribbean in 2005, had been a target of controversy from the start of competition, as rivals wanted her disqualified based on having too much experience and they said that she bought the crown.
Although the competition is cutthroat, this was the first year of pranks.
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