Zambia withdraws from Miss Universe over US travel restrictions

Zambia has pulled its contestant, Pamela Mubanga, from the 75th Miss Universe pageant due to US travel restrictions affecting Zambian nationals. Mubanga, a 25-year-old nurse, had been crowned Miss Universe Zambia on October 8 and was set to represent her country in Puerto Rico on November 24. However, the Miss Universe Zambia organization stated that the restrictions were the reason for her withdrawal, not personal issues or organizational problems.

The organization explained that the US presidential travel restrictions had impacted Zambia and five other African countries, though the names of the other nations were not disclosed. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe's contestant, Roseanna Hall, is also facing uncertainty regarding her participation as she struggles to secure a US visa. Hall, who was expected to represent Zimbabwe, has been trying to obtain the necessary travel documents for weeks.

She expressed solidarity with other affected African contestants and stated that the situation was uncertain for many, including herself. The 75th Miss Universe pageant is scheduled to take place at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with the winner to be crowned on November 24.