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Italian model who allegedly had acid thrown in her face by ex-boyfriend reveals scars on TV

Gessica Notaro says she prayed that she would be able to keep her sight

Friday 21 April 2017 14:01 EDT
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Former Miss Italy finalist Gessica Notaro on the show with host Maurizio Costanzo
Former Miss Italy finalist Gessica Notaro on the show with host Maurizio Costanzo (AP)

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An Italian model who allegedly had acid thrown in her face by her ex-boyfriend, has revealed her scars on TV for the first time.

Gessica Notaro, a former Miss Italy finalist, appeared on Canale 5’s Maurizio Costanzo show, where she chose to remove her scarf to bare her injuries.

The 27-year-old, from the northern city of Cesena, was allegedly ambushed by her ex-boyfriend, Jorge Edson Tavares, and said she spent two months “imprisoned” in hospital while she was receiving treatment.

“While the acid ate away at my face I was on my knees praying," she told the talk show host. "I prayed to God: take away my beauty but at least leave me with my sight.”

Ms Notaro now has a year-long wait until she is well enough for plastic surgery.

She added: “I can't live life as I used to. I can't go out in the sun, am constantly trapped in this mask and my face hurts all the time. I have to spend all my money on medication – every half hour I need eye drops and I have to moisturise my skin constantly. I cannot do my job because I can't go in the water."

Ms Notaro claimed her ex-boyfriend began threatening her after they broke up and she accused him of stalking.

Travares was given a harassment order after he allegedly threatened to attack his ex-girlfriend with acid.

He denies the attack, which apparently took place when Ms Notaro was ambushed while out with friends, and is currently in prison awaiting trial.

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