Who is Morgan Romano? Scandal-hit R'Bonney Gabriel crowns new Miss USA 2022 amid cheating allegations
AUBURN, ALABAMA: R'Bonney Gabriel will no longer hold the title of Miss USA. Since the 28-year-old Miss Universe crowned North Carolina's Morgan Romano as Miss USA 2022 on Saturday, January 28. This crowning ceremony was held in connection with the preliminary contests for Miss Alabama Teen USA and Miss Alabama USA 2023.
Gabriel was replaced as Miss USA by Romano after she was recently crowned Miss Universe on January 14. Romano announced the joyful news and shared several pictures on social media with the caption that read, "Heart full of gratitude. I'm all yours, USA." Many people expressed their love for Romano and congratulated the North Carolina beauty in the comment section of her post. Former Miss USA title winners also sent their warmest greetings, with Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella writing, "Welcome to the sisterhood, love!" Sarah Rose Summers, Miss USA for 2018, remarked, "YOU ARE MISS USA! Congratulations sister." Asya Daniella Branch, Miss USA 2020, commented, "Welcome to the fam, beautiful."
RELATED ARTICLES
Miss USA 2022: Who is R'Bonney Gabriel? Here's all you need to know about Miss Texas USA 2022
Miss USA 2022: From journalists to reality TV stars, what the last 10 beauty queens are doing now
Who is Morgan Romano?
The new Miss USA has obtained a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of South Carolina, according to her LinkedIn profile. Romano promotes children's involvement in STEM by working with Best Buddies International, a nonprofit organization that develops opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental challenges, according to USC. Additionally, her personal project, Outside the Box, provides scientific boxes to classrooms, hospitals, and libraries.
Romano has also identified herself as a "die-hard Gamecock football fan" in a profile on the Miss North Carolina USA website, drawing reference to the mascot of her university. The Miss North Carolina USA website has stated that she has a long-standing passion for dance and spent 10 years performing as a principal dancer in a junior ballet group.
What is the Miss Universe 2023 controversy?
This past weekend, Gabriel, the Miss Universe who has previously been accused of rigging the stateside pageant, crowned Romano, the former Miss North Carolina, as the new Miss USA. Following her victory in the international competition, Gabriel has now come under fire for rigging once again.
Nicolas Maduro, the president of Venezuela, claimed that first-place finisher Amanda Dudamel had her the title "taken" from her during a military gathering this month. However, Gabriel was supported by Amy Emmerich, CEO of the Miss Universe Organization, who referred to her as "the rightful Miss Universe" and "a strong and dedicated contestant" in an interview with the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday, January 18.