The turmoil surrounding the recent Miss Universe pageant continued even after Mexico’s Fátima Bosch Fernández was crowned the winner. Miss Universe Haiti Melissa Queenie Sapini expressed concerns about behind-the-scenes issues, adding to the fresh wave of controversies surrounding the 2025 pageant in Bangkok.
The competition had already faced challenges, including a Thai organizer’s controversial behavior towards Bosch, judges withdrawing due to alleged vote tampering, a fake drug scandal, and a contestant falling off the stage. These incidents have raised questions about the future of the 74-year-old pageant and its relevance in modern times.
Following the crowning of the winner, several contestants have relinquished their titles, with Miss Jamaica still hospitalized after her fall during the event. Additionally, arrest warrants have been issued for co-owners of the pageant in Thailand and Mexico, leading to uncertainty about the organization’s future.
The Miss Universe Organization claimed record-breaking viewership this year, with NBC and Telemundo reporting significant audience numbers. Despite the high viewership, the pageant has faced unprecedented scrutiny and backlash, with contestants and organizations distancing themselves from the competition.
Contestants like Miss Côte d’Ivoire, Miss Estonia, and others have renounced their titles, citing conflicts with the organization’s values and practices. The ongoing controversies have prompted discussions about transparency and fairness in the selection process, with some key figures considering cutting ties with the pageant.
The Miss Universe saga has seen contestants and officials speaking out about their negative experiences, raising serious allegations of misconduct and favoritism. The unfolding drama, including arrest warrants for pageant co-owners, has cast a shadow over the future of the iconic beauty competition, leaving stakeholders and fans wondering about the next steps and potential reforms.
