Miss Venezuela contestants are often subject to prostitution and sexual exploitation . Young contestants are passed to powerful individuals in Venezuelan society for sexual favors . In a poverty-filled country , vulnerable women turn to wealthy individuals for funds . With participation often costing tens of thousands of United States dollars , these participants perform sexual favors for their wardrobe , cosmetic surgery , photo shoots and for sponsorships in order to " create the illusion of ' perfect ' beauty " that is held in esteem in Venezuelan culture . Some contestants allegedly involved in such acts include Miss Venezuela 1989 participant Patricia Velásquez and Miss Venezuela 2006 runner-up Claudia Suárez
Miss Venezuela 2006
Miss Venezuela 2006
Miss Venezuela