While scandals are not unheard of in beauty pageants, it is the contestant from Puerto Plata's sudden and inexplicable forced withdrawal that has threatened the image of the Miss Dominican Republic Beauty Pageant.

Rumours and allegations surround the pullout of Miss Puerto Plata, Iona Guiosepus Roman, who has said she will speak at a future undetermined time about the situation. Rumours of threats and blackmail, alleged positive drug tests and allegations of money being sought from her to guarantee the winning of the crown swirl around the distraught contestant, who's only concern at this time is for her family.

Director of the pageant, Magaly Febeles, has denied the rumours of a positive drug test stating that the reason for the exclusion of Miss Puerto Plata is solely due to the fact that she is not a Dominican native. While Miss Roman's mother is Dominican, her father is Greek.