From leadership ups and downs to on-stage falls, the 2025 edition of Miss Universe has been an exciting experience. Here’s a recap of what happened before Mexico’s Fatima Bosch won the crown in Bangkok today (November 21).
The first domino falls: leadership changes just before the competition
Miss Universe kicked off the season with a surprising corporate twist. The organization announced a new CEO, former diplomat Mario Bucaro, replacing original CEO Anne Jakarajutatip just days before the pageant. Anne purchased the Miss Universe brand in 2022 for $20 million and made history as its first female (and first trans woman) owner.
Anne promised to usher in a “new era” for women’s empowerment, declaring, “From now on, it will be run by women, owned by a trans woman, for all women around the world.” But in October 2024, he quietly stepped down amid serious financial problems at his company, JKN Global Group, which later faced a bankruptcy petition and fraud investigation.
In his place, Mario took over alongside Raul Rocha, who became president in early 2024 after Anne sold half of the company’s stake. Annie has not commented publicly on her resignation.
viral walkout
However, the real chaos began on November 4, when Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itaragrisil clashed with Miss Mexico 2025 Fatima Bosch during a meeting with all the contestants. bad thing? All this was seen live on Facebook.
Nawat accused Fatima of not attending a promotional event and during a heated argument told her, “If you listen to your director, you are a fool.” Bosch calmly replied, “You are not respecting me as a woman.” Due to the confrontation, many contestants walked out in protest. Nawat reportedly demanded them to sit back down, saying, “If anyone wants to continue the competition, then sit.”
Amidst the growing protests, Miss Universe president Raul Rocha issued a statement saying he had banned Navat’s participation in future pageant events, calling her actions “serious abuses”. “Only our representatives will shine who represent each of their countries with dignity,” Raul said.
A tearful Nawat later apologized publicly, saying, “I’m human. I didn’t want to do anything like this.”
Racism, rumors, and the ‘cocaine sniffer’ TikTok
As the dust began to settle, a former Miss Universe stirred the pot again. Alicia Machado, Miss Universe 1996, made racist comments about Navat during an Instagram Live, calling her Chinese and saying that “all the people with slanted eyes” looked Chinese to her – she even rolled her eyes back at the camera.
Then, Miss Chile 2025 Inna Mol shocked fans with a TikTok in which she pretended to sniff a line of powder as part of the makeup transition trend. After widespread backlash, Inna removed the video and apologized, saying it was a misunderstanding caused by the language barrier. Her makeup artist, who suggested the idea, also issued a public apology.
judges are out
As if this was not enough, three judges – pianist and composer Omar Harfouch and former professional French football player Claude Makélélé – withdrew a few days before the final. Omar alleged that the Miss Universe Organization conducted a “secret ballot” involving people outside the official jury, while Claude claimed “unforeseen personal reasons” for withdrawing from the jury.
Additionally, Princess Camilla di Bourbon delle du Sicily, chair of the Miss Universe selection committee, also reportedly resigned from her judging role. Miss Universe organizers denied Omar’s claim and clarified that the so-called committee was a separate “social impact” panel that had no connection with decision-making.
Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry fell off the stage
Meanwhile, tragedy almost struck during the preliminary competitions when Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry fell off the stage during the preliminary evening gown round in Bangkok on Wednesday. He was admitted to the hospital with minor injuries, but thankfully no bones were broken. Miss Universe president Raul posted an update on his Instagram page later that night, saying, “Thankfully, there are no broken bones and she is in good care. She will be under observation throughout the night.”
Gabrielle is 29 years old and works as an ophthalmologist who has created a foundation to advocate for visually impaired people. She remained completely absent from the rest of the events.
Miss Mexico crowned, Omar revealed the scandal!
Despite the whirlwind of scandals, the night ended with a victory that fans of the competition could finally agree on. Mexico’s Fatima Bosch was crowned Miss Universe 2025 in Bangkok on November 21.
His victory felt like poetic justice – until a few hours later, when the controversy flared up again. Omar, one of the judges who previously stepped down, followed up with a series of explosive posts on Instagram claiming that “Miss Mexico is a fake winner.”
In her post, Omar alleged that she had predicted Fatima’s victory the day before the final, telling HBO that Miss Universe owner Raul Rocha “was in business with Fatima’s father.” He added that “all details will be shown on HBO in May 2026.” Omar further claimed that “Raul Rocha and his son urged me in Dubai a week ago to vote for #Fatimabosh because they wanted her to win – ‘because it would be good for our business,’ they told me.”
One thing is for sure – Miss Universe 2025 may have its own queen, but drama is still wearing the crown.