A beauty queen has quit the Miss Colombia pageant after discussing which politicians should be ‘shot’.
Laura Gallego Solís was representing the department of Antioquia in the National Beauty Pageant until yesterday (28 Oct).
She announced her withdrawal from the Miss Colombia competition after a controversy erupted on social media about her political posts.
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The model said: “I am a woman of judgment, with a history of civic activism, and with a political voice that I have never hidden nor will I ever hide.
“I have always believed that women are much more than a pretty face or an elegant dress.”
Her posts prompted a statement from left-wing Colombian president Gustavo Petro, as reported by Need To Know.
He slammed her as a “violent woman” with a “culture of fascism”.
In response, Laura, a lawyer and civic activist, said: “My political views have been criticised as if thinking, expressing opinions, and defending principles were incompatible with being a beauty queen.
“There have even been public attacks from figures like Daniel Quintero and Gustavo Petro, whom I have openly questioned as a citizen for their actions and speeches, which I consider harmful to Colombia.
“I refuse to be part of a system that demands obedience instead of independent thought.
“I refuse to let a crown become a gag.
“Therefore, I irrevocably submit my resignation as Miss Antioquia 2025.
“I do so with my head held high and with the peace of having contributed, even if only a little, to dismantling the narrative that a woman’s existence should be limited to being beautiful, smiling, obeying, and pleasing.
“I do so because my convictions are above any title.”
She added, “Colombia is at a crucial juncture. Democracy, freedom, and the future of a country that can no longer be manipulated by rhetoric that promotes hatred and division are at stake.
“My purpose remains unchanged. My commitment to Colombia remains unwavering.”
The row started when Laura interviewed several Colombian presidential candidates about their policies for the country.
However, one question sparked criticism on social media.
She asked presidential hopefuls such as Santiago Botero and Abelardo de la Espriella which politicians they would rather “shoot” out of Gustavo Petro and Daniel Quintero.
She said, “In the desert, you have a gun with one bullet, and they let Petro and Daniel Quintero run.
“Who gets the bullet?”
In response, organisers said in a statement: “The National Beauty Contest does not participate in politics, either on its own behalf or on behalf of the Miss Colombia contestants, and defends the institutions of Colombia.
“Therefore, it rejects any statements made by the participants regarding political activity.”
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