Eneisy Rodríguez entered Miss Universe Cuba 2026 hoping to symbolize Hialeah on certainly one of magnificence pageantry’s greatest phases. Instead, the 33-year-old trainer, actress and dancer additionally discovered herself confronting a a lot uglier facet of the highlight.
Rodríguez, who grew to become the primary contestant to put on the Hialeah sash at Miss Universe Cuba, publicly addressed the body-shaming feedback after criticism intensified within the days main up to the August 20 ultimate in Cutler Bay, Florida, as reported by El Nuevo Herald.
The Miss Universe Cuba contestant mentioned the unfavourable consideration had been constructing all through her journey, however finally reached a degree the place she felt compelled to reply. “Over the last several days, I have received a level of bullying that I never expected to experience,” Rodríguez wrote in an announcement shared on social media. “The negative comments started at the beginning of this journey, but they have become much louder recently.”
Eneisy Rodríguez Addresses Body-Shaming During Miss Universe Cuba 2026
Rodríguez mentioned she was not talking out merely to amplify her critics. Instead, she needed to stay per the ideas she follows in her life and profession as an educator. “I wanted to address it, not because I want to give the negativity more attention, but because I made a promise to myself to always stay true to who I am,” she wrote.
© Eneisy RodríguezSome of the feedback directed at Rodríguez reportedly questioned whether or not she belonged within the competitors in any respect, whereas others focused her physique and look. Periódico Cubano reported that Rodríguez had obtained messages questioning her benefit as a contestant together with direct criticism of her physique.
Rodríguez acknowledged that these feedback harm. “Reading comments saying that I do not belong here, seeing people criticize my appearance, and experiencing body shaming has been painful,” she mentioned. “Behind every screen is a real person with real feelings, and we never truly know what someone else is carrying.”
Rodríguez works with younger individuals. She at present teaches movie and media to highschool college students and beforehand taught elementary faculty. Her skilled background additionally contains journalism, sports activities media and teaching ladies’ basketball, in accordance to Cuballama.
As an educator, Rodríguez mentioned she teaches college students about kindness, empathy and the affect phrases can have on one other individual.
Why Eneisy Rodríguez’s Age Became Part of the Conversation
At 33, Rodríguez stood out in an trade traditionally related to contestants of their late teenagers and 20s. Her participation additionally comes throughout a altering period for worldwide pageantry. Miss Universe has moved away from a few of its conventional eligibility restrictions, creating room for a wider vary of ladies to compete.
For Rodríguez, nevertheless, the net dialogue was not restricted to her age. Her look and physique grew to become targets as properly.
© Eneisy RodríguezRather than attempting to distance herself from these variations, Rodríguez made them central to her message. “Every woman deserves to feel comfortable in her own skin,” she wrote, “to take up space, and to pursue her dreams without fear of being torn down for simply being herself.”
Fellow Miss Universe Cuba Contestants Defended Eneisy Rodríguez
Rodríguez’s assertion additionally prompted public help from different girls within the competitors. Mia Dio, who represented Isla de la Juventud and finally gained Miss Universe Cuba 2026, responded with a message of help. “You are beautiful and belong here with us!!! We love you Eneisy!!!” Dio wrote.
Daniela Reyes, the consultant of Pinar del Río, additionally praised Rodríguez for turning a troublesome expertise into one thing constructive. “It is such a source of pride to see women who turn difficult moments into a message of love,” Reyes wrote. “Keep shining with the same strength and authenticity.”
Rodríguez finally superior to the Top 18 on the August 20 competitors after a range course of that started with greater than 100 candidates.
Dio went on to win the Miss Universe Cuba 2026 crown on the Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center in Cutler Bay. She will symbolize Cuba at the 75th Miss Universe competition in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on November 24.