Genesis Davila, Miss Florida 2017, Files $15 Million Defamation Against Pageant

 
 

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By Andy Hodges

• August 4, 2016 4:01 pm

Genesis Davila was stripped of her Miss Florida USA 2017 title by the pageant for having her makeup done by a professional.

Genesis Davila is determined to fight it out in court after being stripped of her crown. She won the title of Miss Florida USA 2017.

The Puerto Rican model was accused of violating one of the policies to qualify in winning the crown by the organization. The pageant said she had her hair and makeup professional done, which is a violation, according toWPLG Local 10 in Miami.

"We have a zero-tolerance policy on rules," said Grant Gravitt, executive producer of the Miss Florida USA pageant, said in a statement. "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."

As reported by the Miami Herald, Davila, 23, is fighting back after filing a 21-page lawsuit asking a Miami-Dade circuit judge to issue an emergency injunction to restore her title. Davila's defamation suit is seeking $15 million in damages, plus the return of her crown.

"When one steps out of line, it's not fair to the other 64, and I couldn't look at the other 64 in the eye knowing that I had substantial proof to say. Unfortunately, she sought an unfair advantage," Gravitt said.

Genesis Davila

One of the key issues is a photograph that was used by the pageant to disqualify her as Miss Florida USA 2017. But her lawyer, Richard Wolfe, says the photos used against his client was actually taken more than a week before the pageant. 

"She didn't have a professional hair and makeup person. She did it herself," Wolfe said. "No one is going to have their hair and makeup done nine days in advance of a pageant."

The lawsuit states that Gravitt angrily accused Davila of lying about her U.S. citizenship. "Let me remind you, Puerto Rico is part of this country," her lawyer said.

"I am innocent. All these false allegations have taken me completely by surprise," Davila said. After the Davila was dethroned, Miss Sunny Isles Beach USA Linette De Los Santos was named the new Miss Florida USA 2017.

http://www.cruiserschoice.com/news/genesis-davila-miss-florida-2017-files-15-million-defamation-against-pageant-r1314/