Genesis Davila, stripped of her Miss Florida USA regalia last month, is now suing the pageant for $15 million, plus the return of her title, reported the Miami Herald.
Davila lost her crown last month for violating pageant rules, weeks after winning a competition involving more than 60 other contestants, reported WPLG-TV. Miss Florida USA executive producer Grant Gravitt said Davila had used professional stylists and help with her hair and makeup which are pageant no-nos.
"We have a zero-tolerance policy on rules," Gravitt told WPLG-TV. "Whether it's something major or minor, it's all about keeping an equal and level playing field. Unfortunately, our title holder sought an unfair competitive advantage, and that's just not acceptable in our system."
According to the Herald, pageant officials have cited an Instagram post by Davila showing the Puerto Rican model receiving professional hair and makeup help as part of their evidence.
Davila's attorney said the photo was was taken more than a week before the pageant, noted the Herald.
"She didn't have a professional hair and makeup person. She did it herself," said lawyer Richard Wolfe at a news conference. "No one is going to have their hair and makeup done nine days in advance of a pageant."
Wolfe accused Gravitt of "xenophobia and ignorance," pointing to an incident the day after Davila won the July 16 contest in Fort Lauderdale. Wolfe claimed that in a meeting, Gravitt accused the Puerto Rico-born Davila, 24, of lying about her citizenship, said the newspaper.
"Let me remind you, Puerto Rico is part of this country," Wolfe said, according to the Herald.
Davila, a model with Front Management, was also crowned Miss World Puerto Rico in 2014, according to WPLG-TV.
"This is not a good day for either the pageant or this poor lady," Gravitt said in July, according to the television station. "We wish her no harm. We wish her no ill-will. She made a bad choice, but she's a very good kid, and we wish her the best in her career."
The Herald said Gravitt and his company, TelAir, which produced the pageant, declined to comment on Davila and the lawsuit.