9. LAURA ZUNIGA

Disputed title: Miss Mexico-International 2009

Pageant problem: Nuestra Belleza Mexico, the pageant organizer, dethroned Zuniga after she was arrested with several men carrying illegal guns and drugs in September 2008. Zuniga said she just got dragged into the mess by her boyfriend Angel Orlando Garcia Urquiza, who is affiliated with a drug cartel. Her "gangland ties" rendered Zuniga ineligible to compete in the Miss International 2009 pageant.

Queenly aftermath: Zuniga, who was replaced by Ana Gabriela Espinoza Marroquà­n, was released from detention after a couple of months.

10. OXANA FEDOROVA

Disputed title: Miss Universe 2002

Pageant problem: This Russian beauty didn't seem to fit into the pageant mold–as she refused to just stay charming when she was "insulted" on The Howard Stern Show. Then again, perhaps pageant organizers shouldn't have expected a police officer to be so pliant. Fedorova was also rumored to have been pregnant.   Others say she gave up the title because she had gained weight.

Queenly aftermath: Fedorova, who was replaced by Panamanian Jutine Pasek, did not officially finish her reign. The Miss Universe Organization refuses to recognize her as a legit titlist. Fedorova went on to finish her law degree. She also continued her career as a police officer.

Special mention:

MARIA ISABEL LOPEZ

Disputed title: Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 1982

Pageant problem: BPCI didn't like the fact that Lopez walked the ramp and bared some skin as a Gerald Peter model. Lopez disclosed that they reportedly asked her to resign, but she made a lot of noise through press conferences arranged by her talent manager. She had won the crown and she was not giving it up. She represented the country in the Miss Universe 1982 pageant in Peru.   Thus, she's the only Pinay beauty queen who has deflected her dethronement.

Queenly aftermath: Lopez starred in several sex-oriented flicks like Isla, Silip, and Red Roses for a Call Girl (a.k.a. Manila Tattoo). But, of course, Lopez was always a sex symbol who was more than what she seemed. She is currently one of the most vocal critics of the BPCI.

Pop culture treasure: Lopez's exchange with pageant judge Rita Gomez has gone down in pageant history. The flamboyant Gomez asked, "Here's your question hija: Are you still a virgin?" To which Lopez quipped, "If I say I still am, can I bring home the crown tonight?" "Good answer!" exclaimed Gomez.   Then, Lopez came up with her own question: "How about you, ma'am? Are you still a virgin?"   Gomez answered, "Hija, I have five different children with five different fathers. What do you call that? Immaculate Conception?"

Art by Warren Espejo.

Image credits: Supreme Beauty (Janelle Bautista) and Mars Ravelo Darna at Tripod.com (Anjanette Abayari.)