What's happened
On Nov 21, Fátima Bosch of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025 in Bangkok after a pageant marked by controversy including a public dispute with the Thai director, judge resignations over alleged rigging, and contestant protests. Bosch's win was celebrated in Mexico, with President Claudia Sheinbaum praising her courage. The event exposed leadership and transparency issues within the Miss Universe Organization.
What's behind the headline?
Power Struggles and Transparency Failures
The Miss Universe 2025 pageant has become a case study in organizational dysfunction and the clash between tradition and modern values. The public confrontation between Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch and Thai director Nawat Itsaragrisil, who called her a "dumbhead," ignited widespread protests and exposed a toxic leadership culture. Despite Itsaragrisil's tearful apology, his continued presence at events undermined the organization's stated commitment to respect and dignity.
Contestant Solidarity and Feminist Messaging
Bosch's walkout and the solidarity shown by other contestants, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig, highlighted a growing insistence on women's agency and respect in pageantry. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's public support framed Bosch as a symbol of empowered women rejecting outdated norms that equate silence with beauty.
Allegations of Rigging and Judge Resignations
The resignations of judges Omar Harfouch and Claude Makélélé over claims of secret pre-selection of finalists reveal deep governance issues. The Miss Universe Organization's denial of these claims and explanation of a separate "Beyond the Crown" committee failed to quell doubts about transparency, damaging the pageant's credibility.
Commercial and Political Underpinnings
Raúl Rocha, Miss Universe president and co-owner, has been central in managing the fallout, including restricting Itsaragrisil's role and condemning abuses. His Mexican nationality and business interests intersect with Bosch's win, raising questions about influence and the pageant's global governance.
Forecast and Impact
The 2025 pageant's controversies will likely prompt calls for structural reforms in leadership and judging processes. Bosch's victory amid adversity positions her as a figurehead for change, potentially reshaping the pageant's image and priorities. However, lingering scandals and organizational opacity risk alienating audiences and sponsors, threatening the pageant's future relevance.
For readers, this story underscores the evolving expectations for accountability and respect in global cultural events, reflecting broader societal shifts toward empowerment and transparency.
What the papers say
The New York Times' Yan Zhuang detailed the judge resignations and allegations of secret judging panels, quoting Omar Harfouch's claim of a "charade" and lack of transparency, while the Miss Universe Organization denied these accusations. Business Insider UK provided insight into the internal conflict between Bosch and Thai director Nawat Itsaragrisil, highlighting Rocha's public condemnation of Nawat's "serious abuse" and the latter's tearful apology. Reuters reported on the legal probe involving Miss Universe president Raúl Rocha, adding a layer of complexity to the organization's leadership. The Independent and Sky News emphasized the contestant walkouts and feminist solidarity, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praising Bosch as "an example of how we women should speak out." The NY Post focused on Bosch's social media response and the broader contestant support, including statements from former titleholders condemning mistreatment. France 24 and AP News covered the physical mishaps and additional controversies, such as racist remarks and inappropriate behavior by contestants, illustrating the event's chaotic atmosphere. Together, these sources paint a multifaceted picture of a pageant struggling with leadership crises, contestant empowerment, and public relations challenges.
How we got here
The 74th Miss Universe pageant, held in Thailand, faced turmoil from early November. Contestants protested after Miss Mexico was insulted by the Thai director, leading to walkouts. Two judges resigned alleging secret pre-selection of finalists. The pageant has a history of controversies, including racism and organizational disputes, with the Miss Universe Organization recently changing leadership.
Go deeper
- What led to the confrontation between Fátima Bosch and the Thai director?
- Why did judges resign from the Miss Universe 2025 panel?
- How is the Miss Universe Organization responding to the controversies?
Common question
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What’s Behind the Miss Universe Judging Scandal?
The Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok is currently at the center of a major controversy involving allegations of secret judging and leadership disputes. With judge Omar Harfouch resigning amid claims of pre-selected finalists and organizational opacity, many are questioning the integrity of the event. This page explores what led to the scandal, how the organization is responding, and what it means for the credibility of the pageant. If you're curious about the details behind this controversy, read on to find out more.
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What Are the Latest Controversies and Disruptions in Global Events?
Recent international events have been marred by scandals, protests, and unexpected disruptions. From the chaos surrounding Miss Universe 2025 to the fire at COP30, these incidents highlight the challenges faced by global gatherings today. Curious about what happened, why it matters, and how it impacts the world? Keep reading for detailed insights into these major controversies and disruptions.
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What Are the Latest Controversies in International Pageants?
Recent international pageants, especially Miss Universe 2025, have been marred by controversy, protests, and leadership disputes. From accusations of rigging to contestant walkouts, these issues have sparked widespread debate about transparency and fairness in beauty competitions. Curious about what’s really happening behind the scenes? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding these controversies and what they mean for the future of pageantry.
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What Really Happened at Miss Universe 2025?
The Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Bangkok was filled with controversy, protests, and leadership disputes. From accusations of rigging to contestant walkouts, this event has sparked widespread discussion. Curious about what unfolded and what it reveals about pageant politics? Keep reading for answers to the most common questions about this tumultuous event.
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Who Is Fatima Bosch and What Does Her Miss Universe Win Mean?
Fatima Bosch's victory at Miss Universe 2025 has sparked widespread discussion. Her win in a pageant marred by controversy raises questions about leadership, transparency, and what her success signifies in today's global beauty standards. Below, we explore who she is, the significance of her win, and the broader implications for the pageant world and perceptions of beauty and leadership worldwide.
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Miss Universe is an annual international beauty pageant that is run by the United States-based Miss Universe Organization. This is the largest pageant in the world in terms of live TV coverage, airing yearly in more than 190 countries worldwide to an audi
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Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (born 24 June 1962) is a Mexican politician, energy and climate change scientist, and academic who is the 66th and current president of Mexico since 2024. She is the first woman and the first Jewish person to hold the office. A...
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Victoria Kjær Theilvig (Danish pronunciation: [vekˈtɔʁiːɑ ˈkʰeˀɐ̯ ˈtsʰɑjlˌvi]; born 13 November 2003) is a Danish model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Universe 2024.
Theilvig is the first Dane to win the title, and also
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Claude Makélélé Sinda is a French football manager and former professional player who played as a defensive midfielder. He is currently a youth coach and technical mentor at Chelsea, having formerly been the head coach of Belgian First Division A club
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Mario Adolfo Búcaro Flores (born on 5 May 1977) is a Guatemalan diplomat and civil servant who has served as Minister of Foreign Affairs since 1 February 2022. Previously, he served as Guatemala Ambassador to Mexico, Israel, Bulgaria and Cyprus.
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