Eneisy Rodríguez entered Miss Universe Cuba 2026 hoping to represent Hialeah on one of beauty pageantry’s biggest stages. Instead, the 33-year-old teacher, actress and dancer also found herself confronting a much uglier side of the spotlight.
Rodríguez, who became the first contestant to wear the Hialeah sash at Miss Universe Cuba, publicly addressed the body-shaming comments after criticism intensified in the days leading up to the August 20 final in Cutler Bay, Florida, as reported by El Nuevo Herald.
The Miss Universe Cuba contestant said the negative attention had been building throughout her journey, but eventually reached a point where she felt compelled to respond. “Over the last several days, I have received a level of bullying that I never expected to experience,” Rodríguez wrote in a statement 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 said she was not speaking out simply to amplify her critics. Instead, she wanted to remain consistent with the principles she follows in her life and career 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.
Some of the comments directed at Rodríguez reportedly questioned whether she belonged in the competition at all, while others targeted her body and appearance. Periódico Cubano reported that Rodríguez had received messages questioning her merit as a contestant along with direct criticism of her physique.
Rodríguez acknowledged that those comments hurt. “Reading comments saying that I do not belong here, seeing people criticize my appearance, and experiencing body shaming has been painful,” she said. “Behind every screen is a real person with real feelings, and we never truly know what someone else is carrying.”
Rodríguez works with young people. She currently teaches film and media to high school students and previously taught elementary school. Her professional background also includes journalism, sports media and coaching girls’ basketball, according to Cuballama.
As an educator, Rodríguez said she teaches students about kindness, empathy and the impact words can have on another person.
Why Eneisy Rodríguez’s Age Became Part of the Conversation
At 33, Rodríguez stood out in an industry historically associated with contestants in their late teens and 20s. Her participation also comes during a changing era for international pageantry. Miss Universe has moved away from some of its traditional eligibility restrictions, creating room for a wider range of women to compete.
For Rodríguez, however, the online discussion was not limited to her age. Her appearance and body became targets as well.
© Eneisy RodríguezRather than trying to distance herself from those differences, 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 statement also prompted public support from other women in the competition. Mia Dio, who represented Isla de la Juventud and ultimately won Miss Universe Cuba 2026, responded with a message of support. “You are beautiful and belong here with us!!! We love you Eneisy!!!” Dio wrote.
Daniela Reyes, the representative of Pinar del Río, also praised Rodríguez for turning a difficult experience into something 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 ultimately advanced to the Top 18 at the August 20 competition after a selection process that began with more than 100 applicants.
Dio went on to win the Miss Universe Cuba 2026 crown at the Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center in Cutler Bay. She will represent Cuba at the 75th Miss Universe competition in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on November 24.
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