The Miss Universe 2025 pageant was meant to be a global showcase of beauty, culture and confidence. Instead, this year’s competition — the 74th edition — has been defined by a string of controversies that have overshadowed the event.
With 122 contestants in Thailand for the Nov. 21, 2025 finals, Miss Universe has spent the better part of the month fighting crises, issuing apologies, and defending its reputation.
Here are the seven flashpoints that pushed Miss Universe 2025 into the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
1. Miss Jamaica’s Shocking Fall Off the Main Stage
Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry became the center of global attention on Nov. 19 after a terrifying plunge off the stage during the preliminary evening gown competition.
Video shows Henry gliding across the platform in an orange gown before missing the stage edge and falling. Audience members gasped as organizers rushed to her aid; a stretcher was later used to move her for medical assessment.
The Miss Universe Jamaica Organization confirmed she suffered no life-threatening injuries, and Miss Universe President Raúl Rocha added that she had no broken bones. She remains under observation.
The dramatic fall — now viral — amplified concerns about contestant safety and the physical demands of pageantry.
2. Miss Mexico Walk-Out Sparks International Uproar
Days before Henry’s fall, Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch clashed with Nawat Itsaragrisil, director of Miss Universe Thailand. The dispute reportedly began when Bosch hesitated to post promotional content about Thailand.
The confrontation escalated.
Bosch walked out, Denmark’s Victoria Theilvig followed, and Itsaragrisil responded with a public threat: “If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down.”
The remark triggered global backlash and accusations of unprofessional conduct.
3. Contestants Stage a Silent Protest
Bosch’s exit inspired a quiet but visible solidarity movement.
Several contestants reportedly left the venue with her before returning later. While brief, the walk-out raised questions about fear, intimidation, and the power dynamics inside pageants.
4. Tearful Public Apology From Thailand’s Pageant Chief
Facing mounting pressure, Itsaragrisil held a press conference where he broke down in tears and apologized. Later that evening, he delivered a second apology before all 122 contestants:
“I have to apologise… if anyone felt uncomfortable. I am very sorry.”
But the damage — reputational and internal — had already been done.
5. Miss Universe Judges Resign Days Before the Finals
The competition suffered another credibility blow when judge and composer Omar Harfouch resigned three days before the finals.
Harfouch alleged that a “secret committee” had already selected the Top 30, rendering preliminary rounds meaningless. He further suggested conflicts of interest, including an alleged relationship between a contestant and someone on the selection committee.
Hours later, a second judge — French soccer manager Claude Makélélé — quietly withdrew without explanation.
6. Miss Universe Organization Accused of a “Rigged” System
Harfouch’s allegations fueled online claims that the pageant was fixed.
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) swiftly denied the accusations, insisting that all scoring follows strict, transparent procedures.
MUO responded by banning Harfouch from using its brand or associating with the pageant in the future.
7. A Broader Debate About Pageant Culture and Host Country Politics
The controversies reignited long-standing critiques of pageant culture — from power imbalances to opaque judging systems. Thailand, the host nation, has also faced scrutiny over Itsaragrisil’s leadership style.
Notably, his other pageant, Miss Grand International, experienced its own scandal last year when winner Rachel Gupta resigned, calling the environment “toxic.”
A Pageant In Crisis-Control Mode
Miss Universe 2025 should have been remembered for its diversity, global representation and women at the peak of their confidence. Instead, it has become a cautionary tale about mismanagement, coercion, contestant welfare, and the thin line between spectacle and scandal.
With the finals set for Nov. 21, pageant organizers face an uneasy reality: Miss Universe is trending worldwide — but for all the wrong reasons.
