Lopes found herself in the midst of another controversy when she was accused by an Argentinian newspaper of using fake documents to qualify for the pageant.
The business management student, who was wearing a glittery black top and shiny green skirt, admitted that she was "hurt" by the accusations. "I wasn't afraid when people accused me of submitting fake documents.
"I knew they were wrong because I provided all the documents that the (Miss Universe) organisation asked for since the beginning. But it hurts me when people who don't know me say bad things about me. "I'm human and I have feelings, so it hurt me."
Lopes is only the fourth African woman to win the crown since the contest began in 1952.
The beauty, who lives in the UK, said: "Winning means so much not only to me, but to my country and continent. It is great for Africa and Angola. "Before my win, no one knew where Angola was. The only thing people know about our country is that we have been in civil war. "But we are in peace now and everything is perfect there."
Looked calm
Lopes, who looked calm and composed throughout the interview, admits she knows little about Formula One sport, but said McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton has caught her attention.
"There are a lot of good drivers like Felipe Massa, but Hamilton is the best one.
"He is definitely my favourite driver."
When TNP asked her if she would take the opportunity to date Hamilton or anyone else in the world after winning the global crown, she said no.
She added: "I'm very satisfied with my relationship. I love my boyfriend very much!
"And he should be happy (because) he is dating Miss Universe!"
Other Miss Universe contestants - such as Miss Ukraine 2011 Olesya Stefanko and Miss New Zealand 2010 Ria van Dyke - are also here for the Grand Prix.
This article was first published in The New Paper.
