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Miss Panama Crowned Miss Universe 2002
September 24, 2002
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Justine Pasek, the first runner-up, was crowned Tuesday at a news conference in New York. Ms. Pasek was quoted as saying she wishes Ms. Federova well and is very happy to be taking over the job.
Pageant organizers say Ms. Federova was stripped of her title because she had failed to fulfill her duty to appear at scheduled promotional and charity events.
Ms. Federova, a police lieutenant pursuing a graduate law degree at Saint Petersburg's Police Academy, denied she had been fired. She said she had given up the title voluntarily because the duties of Miss Universe had interfered with her studies. Ms. Federova also denied reports she was married or pregnant.
Pageant officials say Ms. Federova has returned the $20,000 diamond and pearl tiara she won when she was named Miss Universe.
Organizers of the pageant, which is co-owned by NBC Incorporated and New York real estate mogul, Donald Trump, said although Ms. Federova gave back her tiara, they would have preferred that she resign and regretted having to take other action.