[2] In this pageant Rivera would wear dresses created by numerous designers including Carlos Alberto, René Cruz, Nathalia López, Chegüi Lacén, José Raúl, Antonio Da Silva, José Braulio, José Karlo, Ivanyo, Verona, Casanova, Machito, Pipo Pere, Adam Hernández, Valentino Zeliachi and Ángel Guzmán, with most of the pieces exhibiting brilliant colors representative of the tropical climate found in the Caribbean.

[3] On November 25, 2007, two days after winning the 2008 Miss Puerto Rico Universe pageant, Rivera asserted that her competition gown and her makeup had caused a strange reaction on her skin.

On November 30, 2007, the island's Forensic Science Institute announced that no traces of pepper spray had been found on the garment or her makeup brushes, which had been submitted for testing by pageant organizers.

[6] Nevertheless, during an on-air interview of the incident at San Juan's Channel 4 WAPA-TV, Police Superintendent Pedro Toledo stated that he would look into what he called false accusations as well as the possibility of pressing perjury charges.

On July 8, 2008, Rivera participated in Miss Universe's preliminary pageant, in the swimsuit and gala competitions, where she wore a dress composed of several golden metal rings.

[15] Rivera was scheduled to attend Televisa auditions in November 2008, and was to move to either the United States or Mexico depending on the result.