A contestant in Miss Puerto Rico Universe'08 pageant became a target of a sabotage after her evening gowns and makeup were doused with pepper spray, news.com reported.

Ingrid Marie Rivera managed to beat 29 pageant rivals to become the 2008 Miss Universe contestant - in spite of breaking out in hives.

Ms Rivera was composed while onstage before the cameras and judges, but once backstage, she needed ice packs on her face and body.

"We thought at first it was an allergic reaction, or maybe nerves but the second time, we knew it couldn't have been a coincidence," a contest's spokesperson said.

Later tests revealed the presence of pepper spray.

As if that wasn't bad enough, Ms Rivera's bag containing her gowns, makeup and credit cards was also stolen.

The last day of competition was postponed due to a bomb threat.

After all that happened, Ms Rivera said she had considered quitting the contest.

"At one point I said, 'Am I a masochist?" But later I thought, "I am with God and this is my goal, regardless of the results," the beauty shared.

Organizers are still investigating the case of alleged sabotage.

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