Miss Universe 2025 pageant would be held in Saudi Arabia amidst the flurry of events that has shocked and amazed viewers around the world. It was truly heartwarming to see how the competition celebrated the rich diversity of women across so many cultures, backgrounds and religions. Yet, it was plagued by unforeseen turmoil like stage falls, public feuds, and judging walkouts. In the midst of all this, Fatima Bosch, Miss Mexico, was crowned Miss Universe, although not without a context of controversy.
One of the most controversial moments took place when Miss Great Britain, Danielle Latimer, fell while walking on stage. She bombed while modeling a My Fair Lady–themed outfit that she must have imagined would work wonders for Eliza Doolittle. The moment gasped at by a stunned studio audience underscored the cutthroat atmosphere of the Miss USA pageant.
To heighten the drama, Fatima Bosch claimed to have received a public dressing-down by Nawat Itsaragrisil, the pageant’s director from Thailand. During their encounter, he reportedly called her a “dumbhead.” In fact, this unfounded accusation has incited viral outrage among viewers and supporters. In response to these events, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly defended Bosch, stating she exemplifies how women should assert themselves in challenging situations.
From the outset, the pageant was beleaguered by claims of misconduct against its judging panel. Claude Makelele, a former French footballer known for his tactical influence, tendered an immediate resignation from the bench “for unforeseen personal reasons.” Incredibly, at the same time, another judge, Omar Harfouch, issued a blusterous-appearing claim. He alleged that a “backroom vote” had been arranged to pre-select contestants ahead of the televised finale. Harfouch’s allegations brought serious questions about the fairness of the competition to light and sparked a much-needed conversation about transparency within the pageant.
From the onset, contestants were put through extra stresses that fostered an unsettling sense of combativeness. Second runner-up Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry took a tumble during the preliminary evening gown competition. Equally, Miss Israel, Melanie Shiraz, explained how she received death threats following her supposed side-eye of the competition. All of these incidents highlighted the intense scrutiny that contestants are under and how public perception can have dire consequences.
In perhaps the goofiest but most incendiary act, Chile’s Inna Moll drew criticism for faking drug use. She went and did it in a before-and-after makeup video, and the internet erupted. The tragic death sparked an intense public outcry and demands for justice. The first-ever Miss Palestine, Nadeen Ayoub, took the internet by storm with her head-turning dress. With an artistic touch as additional political commentary, it was illustrated with an image of the Dome of the Rock.
Even with all this controversy Fatima Bosch went on to win Miss Universe! Her crowning was a significant historic milestone for her personally, but for her home country. The pageant’s mission was to develop a place where women felt safe to embrace who they were. Sadly, fights broke out and sullied its admirable purpose.
Nawat Itsaragrisil then apologized for his comments to Bosch, claiming he had been misinterpreted. His guarded remarks did little to quell the deepening tensions that had already boiled over during the unusually contentious event.