WASHINGTON, Nov 22, (Agencies): Paraguayan beauty queen Nadia Ferreira, who served on the selection committee at the Miss Universe 2023 Competition in El Salvador, has responded to accusations suggesting her involvement in preventing Miss Dominican Republic Mariana Downing from advancing to the top 20 semi-finalists last weekend.

In addressing the allegations, Nadia emphasized her maturity, stating, "First of all, I’m a mature woman; I know what she and all the contestants are going through at that moment." She expressed her belief in Mariana Downing's beauty and potential, asserting that she, like all the contestants, has the possibility of a successful career. Nadia shared her positive outlook on Mariana's future during an interview.

Nadia, who secured the first runner-up position at the Miss Universe 2021 Competition, is currently married to Salsa singer Marc Anthony, 55, with their union taking place in January 2021. Notably, before meeting Nadia, Mariana Downing and Marc Anthony were in a relationship. During that time, Mariana was 21, while Marc was 49. Their romantic involvement began after the singer finalized his third wife's divorce.

Mariana, now 27, shared her perspective on the past relationship with Marc Anthony in an interview. She described it as a beautiful moment in her life but clarified that it is a closed chapter. Mariana expressed her focus on her current life, goals, and aspirations, stating, "I have my life, I have my things, I have my goals ahead. I don’t have much to say because that’s in the past; I carry that time with a lot of affection, but it’s already past."