Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Crowning That Divided the Internet
- How the Bangkok Drama Started
- Judges’ Resignations and Rigging Allegations
- Leadership Confusion Behind the Scenes
- Cultural Clashes Between Thai & Mexican Organisers
- Fallout on Social Media
- Why This Controversy Matters for Miss Universe
- Final Thoughts
- External Links
1. Introduction
The Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Bangkok will be remembered not only for its glittering finale, but for the intense drama that surrounded it.
When Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, was crowned the new Miss Universe, celebrations were instantly mixed with accusations, debates, and online speculation.
What should have been a glamorous moment instead highlighted deeper issues within the organisation, raising questions about leadership, transparency, and the direction of the decades-old pageant.
2. The Crowning That Divided the Internet
At 25, Fátima Bosch delivered a powerful performance throughout the competition. But her victory came after weeks of controversy, making many wonder whether her crown was earned—or awarded as damage control.Supporters across Mexico praised her strength, especially after she walked out of a pre-pageant event earlier in November.
However, critics questioned whether the organisation crowned her to “fix” the fallout from earlier scandals.
Miss Thailand Praveenar Singh finished as first runner-up, followed by Miss Venezuela, Miss Philippines, and Miss Cote d’Ivoire.
3. How the Bangkok Drama Started
The drama took off when Thai organiser Nawat Itsaragrasil, a well-known media mogul, reprimanded Bosch for not posting promotional content.
In front of dozens of contestants, he:
- publicly scolded her
- called security
- threatened to disqualify anyone who supported her
Bosch walked out, and several contestants followed her in solidarity.
The moment went viral, sparking global sympathy.
The Miss Universe Organization later condemned Nawat’s behaviour as “malicious.”
Even Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly supported Bosch, calling her an example of women standing up to mistreatment.
Mexico’s Fátima Bosch just won Miss Universe after a scandalous clash with one of the pageant’s organizers. But behind the crown lies a deeper feud over how to keep a fading industry alive.@rtkwrites explains: https://t.co/iTpfMcZbp6 pic.twitter.com/egsE4Ek4cf
— Bloomberg (@business) November 21, 2025
4. Judges’ Resignations and Rigging Allegations
The situation escalated further a week later when two judges resigned.
Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch accused organisers of:
- forming an “impromptu jury”
- pre-selecting finalists
- interfering with the judging system
Shortly after, former French football star Claude Makelele also stepped down, citing “personal reasons.”
The Miss Universe Organization strongly denied these accusations, stating no external group was involved in evaluating contestants.
Still, Harfouch repeated his claims online minutes after Bosch’s win was announced.
Adding to the chaos, Miss Jamaica suffered a fall during the evening gown round and had to be taken out on a stretcher, a moment that spread quickly across social media.
5. Leadership Confusion Behind the Scenes
Experts say many of these problems stem from a confusing leadership structure.
This year’s pageant was split between:
- Bangkok, where Nawat controlled on-ground operations
- Mexico, where businessman Raul Rocha managed the Miss Universe Organization
American pageant coach Dani Walker called it a “very rocky transition.”
Former MUO president Paula Shugart added that fans no longer understand who is actually in charge—something that damages the brand’s credibility.
6. Cultural Clashes Between Thai & Mexican Organisers
Beyond operational issues, analysts point to deeper cultural differences.
Thai academic Thitiphong Duangkhong noted that:
- Thai organisers communicate based on local social norms
- power structures and language nuances affect interactions
- cultural misunderstandings can quickly escalate
He also mentioned that former owner Anne Jakrajutatip, a transgender woman, faced criticism from some Latin American fans who hold more traditional views.
With leadership scattered across continents, communication gaps were almost inevitable.
7. Fallout on Social Media
Online conversations exploded instantly after the crowning.
Many comments suggested:
- the walkout controversy pushed organisers to crown Bosch
- the pageant was trying to “repair its image”
- future contestants might use similar walkouts to gain attention
Supporters, meanwhile, praised Bosch’s composure and resilience.
The Miss Universe Organization posted that her “grace, strength, and radiant spirit captured the hearts of the world,” but critics remained unconvinced
8. Why This Controversy Matters for Miss Universe
Miss Universe has faced declining viewership for years, and scandals like this deepen doubts about its future.
Key concerns now include:
- transparency in judging
- leadership accountability
- cultural sensitivity
- how social media influences public perception
- whether the pageant still resonates with modern audiences
As ownership changes and global standards shift, the pageant must rebuild trust if it hopes to remain relevant.
9. Final Thoughts
Fátima Bosch’s crowning should have been a moment of celebration, but instead became a spotlight on the struggles within Miss Universe.
From public confrontations to resigning judges and international debates, this year’s event revealed the urgent need for clarity, unity, and modernisation within the organisation.
Despite the controversies, Bosch’s supporters believe her victory reflects strength and perseverance—a quality many feel defines a true Miss Universe.
10. External Links
These links offer general information related to the Miss Universe pageant:
- Miss Universe Official Page: https://www.missuniverse.com
- Miss Grand International (organiser background): https://www.missgrandinternational.com
- Pageant History Archive: https://www.pageantopolis.com
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