Miss Brazil wins suit against pageant

The 2002 Miss Brazil finally set the recorded straight after winning thousands of dollars in a suit against pageant organizers.

Taiza Thomsen said pageant organizers knew Joseane Oliveira, who originally took the title, was married, which is against the rules. Thomsen was awarded Miss Brazil after they said they realized their mistake.

In the suit, Thomsen claims organizers were trying to keep her from winning the title. Consequently, she said she missed out on benefits like a new car given to Miss Brazil.

A court spokesperson said, "She claimed that the delay in receiving her crown caused her to lose out on a series of benefits usually awarded to Miss Brazil."

The beauty queen originally asked for 1 million reals or $474,000 in moral and material damages. She was awarded 170 reals or $80,000.

(Published by AHN, February 14, 2007)