The 2025 Miss Universe pageant, held in Bangkok, Thailand, was supposed to be a celebration of beauty, poise, and global sisterhood. Instead, it turned into one of the most controversial editions in recent history, marked by public humiliations, onstage mishaps, walkouts, resignations, and intense scrutiny over the crowning of Fátima Bosch of Mexico. While the audience cheered for the new Miss Universe, many questions lingered about the fairness and integrity of the competition.
The controversy began early, when Fátima Bosch was publicly chastised by the pageant’s director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, during a meet-and-greet event. According to multiple reports, the director called Bosch “dumb” over alleged lapses in her promotional duties. Bosch herself later described the incident as “unacceptable,” and in a bold move, she walked out in protest. Several other contestants, including the outgoing titleholder, followed in solidarity, highlighting the severity of the situation and drawing international attention.
@ahtisa_universeph Mexico Walk out in Miss Universe Sahsing Ceremony #mexico #missuniverse #missuniversemexico #fatimabosch ♬ original sound - ahtisa_universeph
The tension escalated during the preliminary evening gown round, when Gabrielle Henry, Miss Jamaica, fell off the stage and was stretchered off. The incident was alarming and raised questions about stage safety and organisational preparedness. While she was later reported to be recovering, the fall underscored how a competition built on glamour and precision can be fraught with real-world risks when oversight falters.
@jobs4jamaicans Get well soon Miss Jamaica 🙏🏼 #jamaicantiktok🇯🇲viral #missuniversejamaica #missuniverse #missuniversefall #missuniversethailand ♬ original sound - NSOMUSIC
Adding to the turmoil, two judges resigned in the days leading up to the final competition. One, Omar Harfouch, claimed that a “clandestine jury” pre-selected finalists, bypassing official judging protocols. Allegations suggested that Bosch’s eventual win might have been influenced by ties between the contest’s ownership and her family. Whether true or not, these resignations intensified skepticism about transparency and fairness.
@the_real_mrs_salote A second judge resigns within hours from the judging panel of Miss Universe 2025. #missuniverse #missuniverse2025 #drama #judges #greenscreen ♬ original sound - I am Ndeshi 🌻
The controversy did not stop at the finale. Olivia Yacé of Côte d’Ivoire, who had been named Miss Universe Africa & Oceania, publicly resigned her title days later, citing a “diminished role” that reduced her responsibilities to mere symbolism. In her statement, Yacé explained that the position promised leadership and advocacy but delivered limitations and lack of agency. Her resignation reframed the pageant conversation entirely: this was no longer about isolated mishaps, but about structural imbalance and respect for the contestants’ voices.
Amid this chaos, Fátima Bosch was crowned Miss Universe 2025. Many celebrated her resilience, particularly for standing up for herself during the earlier confrontation with the director. Bosch expressed a desire to “change the prototype of what is a Miss Universe” and to be a “real person that gives the heart.” Yet the timing of her win sparked debate. Some critics wondered if her victory was purely merit-based or if it was, in part, an attempt to make amends for the earlier incidents, a feel-good resolution after weeks of controversy.
What this tumultuous pageant revealed is that Miss Universe, once seen primarily as a glamorous competition, is increasingly under scrutiny for its treatment of contestants, transparency, and adherence to promised roles. The incidents of public humiliation, resignations, and stage accidents underscore that representation, respect, and safety are not optional. For contestants today, the crown represents more than beauty; it represents voice, agency, and professional integrity.
In 2025, Miss Universe became a mirror reflecting broader societal expectations. Audiences demand accountability, contestants assert their agency, and silence is no longer an option. Whether the pageant responds with meaningful reform or superficial fixes will determine whether the crown continues to be a symbol of global aspiration or simply a pageant caught in its own controversies.
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