A crown won amidst controversy, legal disputes, and allegations of corruption
In short: The 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand was far from a standard celebration. Between judges resigning over claims of rigged results and a high-profile injury on stage, the event became a whirlwind of political tension, legal battles, and accusations of backroom deals.
Held on 21 November 2025 at the Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, the pageant was marked by significant tension. While Fátima Bosch of Mexico ultimately claimed the title—marking Mexico's fourth win—the path to coronation was fraught. The event took place during a one-year mourning period for Thailand's former queen consort, Sirikit, necessitating government-mandated modifications to the pageant's format and activities to respect the national atmosphere. The event featured commentary from past winners Dayanara Torres and R'Bonney Gabriel, and was hosted by comedian Steve Byrne. The venue, Impact Challenger Hall, has previously hosted the competition in 2005 and 2018.
The competition was shadowed by serious allegations of misconduct. Judge Omar Harfouch resigned days before the final, alleging that a 'clandestine' committee had pre-selected the top 30 semifinalists and claiming the outcome was predetermined through a deal between co-owner Raúl Rocha and the winner's father, Bernardo Bosch. Harfouch further alleged that Rocha's gas company had received a $40 million contract from a Pemex subsidiary. The Miss Universe Organization denied these claims of a rigged process. The controversy extended to the voting process, as some delegates claimed the results for the Most Beautiful People award were tampered with after organizers unexpectedly extended the deadline. Other judges, including Claude Makélélé and Camilla di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, also withdrew from the panel.
Internal friction also plagued the hosting committee. Thai organizer Nawat Itsaragrisil faced scrutiny for his conduct, including an incident where he reportedly insulted Bosch during a sash ceremony, prompting several contestants and the reigning titleholder, Victoria Kjær Thengvig, to walk out in protest. Additionally, the pageant faced legal disputes regarding intellectual property rights with Miss Universe Thailand and a police investigation into whether contestants were instructed to film promotions for an online gambling website. The pageant also faced a sudden medical emergency when Jamaica's Gabrielle Henry was hospitalized after falling through an opening in the stage floor. Furthermore, the 2025 edition saw the debut of several new nations, including Palestine, Rwanda, Mayotte, and Cape Verde.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Miss Universe 2025
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