Miss Universe fans are voicing frustration and suspicion after the crowning of Lina Luaces as Miss Cuba 2025, citing her outstanding family ties as a possible conflict of interest.
Luaces of Miami, Florida, was officially crowned Miss Cuba 2025 on Wednesday, earning her a spot in the distinguished Miss Universe pageant, which shall be held in Thailand this November.
But what must have been a moment of celebration for the Miss Cuba winner has as an alternative sparked controversy online.
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Lili Estefan’s Daughter Wins Miss Cuba 2025
It was quickly revealed that Luaces is the daughter of Univision host Lili Estefan, niece of legendary singer Gloria Estefan, and music producer Emilio Estefan. All three Estefans were born in Cuba, while Luaces herself was born and raised in Miami. Her mother, Lili, is estimated to have a net price of roughly $500 million.
The wonder queen’s background has left many Miss Universe fans crying foul, with several taking to the official Miss Universe Cuba Instagram page to precise disappointment. Critics are calling the competition “rigged,” arguing that Luaces’ win had more to do together with her celebrity lineage than her performance.
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“This shall be the last Miss Universe Cuba competition I watch. When you noticed, she was called first EVERY TIME. They need to just skip the dog and pony show and name a sponsored winner without the pretend competition. It could save a ton of money and time!” one commenter wrote.
One other user declared, “Mi$$ Nepoti$m!!”
“They are saying no to dictatorship in Cuba but yes to corruption and nepotism,” another person said. “Great job, Cuba.”
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Fans Accuse The Pageant Of Favoritism After Celebrity Connection Revealed
The comments didn’t end there.
“I’m sorry and nothing against her, but there have been higher contestants,” one other Instagram user said. “Her last name and family connections is why she won. All of those contests are rigged.”
“Why did they do the competition if it was already known who was going to win?” one other asked.
“She was gifted the crown for being the daughter of somebody you already know,” another person said, adding the attention rolling emoji.
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Gloria Estefan’s Niece Steals The Highlight
Luaces officially earned the title of Miss Universe Cuba 2025 earlier this week in a glamorous ceremony held in Hialeah, Florida, the cultural heart of Miami’s Cuban-American community.
The star-studded event, streamed continue to exist MegaTV and the Miss Universe YouTube channel, showcased Luaces’ poise, charisma, and unmistakable stage presence. When asked what Cuban dessert she can be, she playfully responded, “A pastelito de guayaba, tough on the skin, soft and sweet inside.”
But she also impressed viewers and judges together with her deeper reflections. When prompted about her potential role as a frontrunner and cultural representative, Luaces delivered a strong statement, “Being Cuban is my blood, my strength, my voice, my biggest pride.”
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Despite being born within the U.S. and speaking Spanish with a noticeable American accent, Luaces addressed skeptics directly. “I feel Cuban, not American,” she said, rejecting calls that she must have competed in Miss USA or Miss America as an alternative. Her remarks received thunderous applause from the audience, including her famous relatives.
Luaces will go on to represent Cuba on the Miss Universe pageant this November in Thailand.
Gloria Estefan Beams With Pride As Niece Lina Luaces Is Crowned Miss Cuba 2025
The emotional moment was particularly special for the Estefan family, who were out in full force to support her. International superstar Gloria Estefan took to Instagram shortly after the event to share her pride and excitement:
“I’m so happy with my great-niece @linaluaces, our latest #MissUniverseCuba2025! From welcoming you into the world to watching you blossom through life’s highs and lows, it’s been an honor. Your relentless dedication has brought you to this moment. You’ll make us proud in Thailand at #MissUniverse2025! We love you endlessly!”
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Despite Backlash, No Evidence Of Foul Play In Lina Luaces’ Miss Cuba Win
Despite the backlash, there was no formal evidence or confirmation of foul play. Still, the uproar has highlighted ongoing concerns inside the pageant community over transparency, fairness, and the influence of fame and wealth on outcomes.
Luaces has not yet responded publicly to the criticism. As she prepares to represent Cuba on the international stage, all eyes will remain on the Miss Universe organization and its commitment to impartiality within the months ahead.