Peruvian model Luren Márquez publicly thanked pageant director Jessica Newton at a press conference on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, after regaining her Miss Peru 2026 crown following a brief dethronement.
The beauty queen re-appeared before the media to introduce the 63 contestants competing in the Miss Peru 2027 pageant, using the event to reflect on her journey and acknowledge her past errors.
Márquez had previously lost her title following a controversy, but she apologized to Newton and recovered the crown in record time. The reinstatement allows her to represent Peru at the Miss Universe 2026 pageant in Puerto Rico.
Acknowledgment of personal mistakes
Addressing Newton and attendees at the press conference, Márquez said she was human and noted that everyone possessed both virtues and flaws. She stated that wearing the crown did not mean being perfect, but rather representing real women who can make mistakes and accept the consequences.
She added that recognizing, accepting, and working through personal shortcomings allows titleholders to lead by example in society and leave a meaningful legacy for others.
Miss Peru is the national beauty pageant responsible for choosing the country's representative for Miss Universe and other international competitions. Newton serves as the national director of the organization.
Message to Miss Peru 2027 contestants
Márquez also offered encouragement to the 63 candidates competing to succeed her as Miss Peru 2027. She said that all women who join the pageant platform emerge evolved as better versions of themselves.
She urged the contestants to connect with a purpose in their hearts, leave a symbolic mark on their community and country, and enjoy every stage of the competition without doubting their capabilities.
In addition to Márquez's presentation, the event highlighted other national beauty representatives, including Camila, daughter of Christian Domínguez and Melanie Martínez, who was crowned as a national queen to represent Peru in Colombia.
