However, the withdrawal of Ruiz was prevented by Venezuelan businessman Gustavo Cisneros, who was able to fund Ruiz to Panama. This is after Mireya Moscoso, then-President of Panama, urged Cisneros to ensure that a Venezuelan candidate will compete at Miss Universe.
The withdrawal of Ruiz from the Miss Universe competition was prevented by Gustavo Cisneros, a Venezuelan businessman, who funded her move to Panama. This occurred after Mireya Moscoso, then-President of Panama, urged Cisneros to ensure that a Venezuelan candidate would compete in the Miss Universe pageant.