RM Stumbles, disputes, and outrage: Miss Universe announces its winner after a turbulent and much-debated pageant
As the contestants prepared to take the runway for the 74th Miss Universe pageant on Friday, the organisation behind the show was already attempting to contain multiple controversies.
“In response to recent public comments and social media activity, the Miss Universe Organization finds it necessary to address several inaccuracies,” the group said in a statement. Although it spoke specifically about accusations of vote manipulation, the remark could have applied to the long list of scandals that had unfolded in the preceding weeks.
Despite the polished final broadcast, the lead-up to the event was fraught with turmoil. A pageant that promotes itself as a celebration of diverse cultures, beliefs, and identities—and as a safe environment for women—saw judges resigning, rumours of rigged voting, on-camera stumbles, allegations of drug-related behaviour, and even contestant walkouts.
Early in November, Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, alleged that the Thai director of the competition, Nawat Itsaragrisil, publicly scolded her and called her a “dumbhead”. She walked off, joined by several contestants—a moment that quickly spread after being captured on livestream.
Bosch later told the press that she felt disrespected and wanted the public to witness the behaviour. Reigning Miss Universe Victoria Theilvig defended her, stating: “This is about women’s rights… To tear another woman down is beyond disrespectful. I won’t be part of that—that’s why I’m leaving.”
Her stance was echoed by Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, who called Bosch an example of how women should speak up. Nawat eventually apologised, insisting the incident had been misunderstood, and even appeared visibly emotional before reporters at what seemed to be an official briefing.
More upheaval followed. On Tuesday, judge Omar Harfouch, a French-Lebanese musician, resigned, claiming a “secret vote” had been held to pre-select 30 of the 136 contestants before the final round. He said he refused to “stand before the cameras pretending to validate a vote I never participated in,” pointing out that some eliminated countries were experiencing war or political tensions. That same day, former French footballer Claude Makelele also withdrew for “unforeseen personal reasons.”
The organisation responded by rejecting Harfouch’s claims, stating that his “confusion” related to a separate social impact initiative and insisting that no unofficial jury or external body had been allowed to evaluate contestants.
The week grew even more dramatic. During the preliminary evening gown segment on Wednesday, Miss Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, fell from the main stage and was hospitalised. Miss Great Britain, Danielle Latimer, also took a tumble during the national costume portion of the competition—though she later said the fall was intentionally choreographed.
Geopolitical tension surfaced as well. Nadeen Ayoub, the first-ever Miss Palestine, wore a gown featuring the Dome of the Rock, prompting backlash. Miss Israel later reported receiving death threats after appearing to give her a side glance—something contestant Melanie Shiraz said resulted from deceptive editing.
The controversies continued offstage. Miss Universe Chile, Inna Moll, apologised after appearing to mimic snorting white powder from her arm in a TikTok makeup video filmed in Bangkok. Meanwhile, Miss Teen Cambodia used her platform at a side event to accuse Thailand of being responsible for ongoing border violence.
Yet by Friday afternoon, the chaos faded into the background as Miss Mexico was ultimately crowned the 74th Miss Universe, surpassing fan favourite Miss Thailand. Despite the rocky opening to her journey, Bosch appears to have fulfilled her vow to show the public a more positive representation of what the pageant can be.
