Miss Universe Morocco crowns a new queen after the first one suffered an accident
Kawtar Benhalima, who finished first runner-up at the Miss Universe Morocco 2021 pageant, will now represent the country at the 70th Miss Universe pageant.
This comes after the news on Nov. 11 that Fatima Zahra-Khayat, who was crowned a few days ago, has been injured.
"We are really sad to announce that @fzius (Khayat) will be renouncing her title as Miss Universe Morocco by medical dispensation due to an accident and her disability to represent the country in optimal conditions in the coming weeks," said Miss Universe Morocco in a statement.
On Nov. 10, a handover ceremony was held in Casablanca where the Khayat passed on her crown to the 22-year-old business administration graduate.
Benhalima is a businesswoman who founded a jewelry brand with her sister.
She will now represent Morocco this December in Eliat, Israel, which will mark Morocco’s return to the Miss Universe stage after 43 years.