MODEL MYSTERY
A TRANSGENDER model who starred in reality show There’s Something About Miriam has been found hanged in “mysterious circumstances”.
Miriam Rivera attracted international attention on the 2004 dating show and went on to make a guest appearance on Big Brother Australia.
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But the Mexican-born TV star was found dead at her home in her native country on February 5 at the age of 38.
Her husband Daniel Cuervo, who is based in New York, fears her death may have been “passed off” as a suicide after she refused to work as a prostitute.
Mr Cuervo told Daily Mail Australia that Miriam had called him from Mexico on the day of her death, saying she was feeling sick and vomiting blood.
He reportedly told her to get medical help and she called him again after leaving hospital at midday.
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By 2pm, Miriam was found hanged at her home in Hermosillo, Mexico.
Mr Cuervo asked authorities if it would be possible to fly the body to New York, but was told her remains had been cremated, leaving no opportunity to perform an autopsy.
He now suspects there may have been foul play after receiving a "threatening" phone call.
Mr Cuervo claimed an unknown man had called him when he was trying to arrange Miriam's funeral and said: "Don't come back to Mexico or we'll kill you too."
Miriam’s close friend added that some suspect she may have been killed for speaking out against human trafficking.
Jeanett Ørtoft added the last time she spoke to Miriam, the TV star said she was “looking forward” to the future.
In a Facebook post from February 25, Ms Ørtoft wrote: “RIP, dearest Miriam. Jan 1981 - Feb 2019.
“The news about you being taken away from this world far too early and in this way broke my heart and left me in shock and tears.
“You made a huge difference for me and so many other people around this planet. Your life was too short, but you made it remarkable.
“I feel deeply grateful that you let me into your heart, mind and life. Thanks for all the great memories.
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“We had plans about creating more this year, and I can't believe I will never see you again. At least not on this side.
“You were the shiniest star on earth, now you're the most shiny in heaven.”
Miriam first shot to stardom on the controversial British TV show – There’s Something About Miriam, which was viewed by millions.
The Sky 1 show saw six straight British males battling for the attention of the beautiful glamour model.
But in a dramatic twist in the final episode, Miriam revealed her identity as a transgender woman.
This came as a surprise to the contestants, who all sued producer Endemol for conspiracy to commit sexual assault, defamation and personal injury.
They all claimed they had suffered “psychological and emotional damage” and eventually settled for an undisclosed fee.
One report suggested they’d been paid as much as £500,000 each.
The winner, Tom Rooke, received £10,000 in prize money and was supposed to go on a romantic holiday with Miriam.
But he didn’t follow through with the trip.
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Despite the controversy, the show was a hit in the UK and was later aired in Australia on Channel 10.
Miriam later made a highly-publicised guest appearance on Big Brother Australia's fourth season, which was watched by millions.
In 2010, the Daily Mirror reported that Miriam was working as a “£300-an-hour escort” in Knightsbridge, London.
The reality star confirmed she offers clients a “full service” – saying “I do absolutely everything”.
She added: “Once you have paid for me, you can do whatever you want.”
Miriam told how she worked as an escort to pay off hospital bills racked up after an accident.
She revealed that many of her clients were wealthy businessman and celebrities who are desperate to “experiment”.
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She told the Mirror: “They pay for my companionship and we only have sex if I want to. It’s voluntary.
“But most of the time they are so hot I end up being the one begging them. I have no regrets – I’m having fun.
“I started doing this for the money and when everything is sorted I will stop.”
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