A spokesperson for the festival committee said the Rose had taken the decision to seek medical help and counselling regarding an eating disorder.
The spokesperson described Miss Gervasoni as a fantastic ambassador for the festival.
But added that she now "needs all of us to show our support and that she had appealed for privacy and space."
The spokesperson said Miss Gervasoni had decided to make this issue public as she was concerned about the need to heighten awareness of this secret disease and its devasting consequences.
