The dethroned Miss Florida USA 2017, Genesis Davila, has filed a $15 million lawsuit against the organizers for de-crowning her.

Davila, 24 years old, was awarded the title on July 16 in Fort Lauderdale, but had to hand in her sash days later after pageant organizers accused that she had cheated by having professionals to do her hair and makeup, rather than using the hair and makeup artists provided by the Miss Florida organization. The executive producer of the Miss Florida USA pageant, Grant Gravitt, told that he had “substantial proof” and complaints from fellow contestants that she violated rules.

Davila’s attorney, Richard Wolfe, announced that his client was suing the pageant owners , Gravitt, Tel-Air Interests, Inc. and IMG Universe on Monday, August 1. Davila sought damages for defamation and emotional distress, and her lawyer has filed an emergency injunction to restore her title.

Wolfe said that Gravitt claimed that Davila was not a U.S. citizen, which was a false allegation. Then, Wolfe alleged that Gravitt presented false evidence by citing an Instagram photo of a makeup artist applying eyeshadow to Davila, cropping out the date and claiming it was from the day of the show. The picture was actually from a July 9 photo shoot which took place days before the pageant.

The Puerto Rican beauty tearfully said during the press conference, "I am innocent. All these false allegations have taken me completely by surprise. I have faced many challenges in my life, but nothing like this. I am honest, hardworking, who was raised in ideals and principles. I am putting all of my faith in my attorney and the legal system to prove my innocence and save my reputation.”

Runner-up Linette De Los Santos had been crowned Miss Florida 2017 in place of Davila.

By Prakriti Neogi