Top ten controversial moments that defined the chaotic Miss Universe 2025 pageant

Dubai: Miss Universe 2025 wasn’t just a beauty contest — it was a full-scale storm of scandals, walkouts, resignations, and viral showdowns that kept the world glued to every update from Thailand.

What should have been a celebration of global culture and empowerment quickly became the most dramatic and controversy-ridden edition in the pageant’s 74-year history. Here’s a complete breakdown of the flashpoints that defined this unforgettable year.

The drama began months before contestants even landed in Thailand. Anne Jakrajutatip, president of JKN Global Group — the parent company of Miss Universe — abruptly resigned after Thailand’s SEC launched investigations into her and her sister over allegations of false statements and improper accounting. Her absence loomed over the 2025 pageant, held in her home country, without a single public appearance from her.

November arrived with a maze of restrictions: media outlets and influencers were barred from early activities, and even makeup artists sent by Miss Universe president Raúl Rocha were banned from working with contestants. Confusion dominated the first week, as contestants relied solely on MUO-approved stylists. It was the first sign that this year’s pageant was far from business as usual.

With Anne absent and Rocha abroad, Nawat Itsaragrisil — head of Miss Universe Thailand and founder of Miss Grand International — stepped in to supervise preparations. But when he reportedly launched a popularity contest where the top 10 most-liked contestants would win a private dinner with him, global backlash erupted. Miss Universe immediately issued a statement distancing itself from the stunt. Nawat insisted it was part of a commercial deal. Fans were unconvinced.

The breaking point came during the sash ceremony, where Nawat publicly scolded Miss Universe Mexico, Fatima Bosch, for not promoting his dinner contest. When she calmly explained she needed approval from her directors, he erupted — calling her a “dumb head.” Fatima walked out. Several contestants followed. Nawat threatened to expel them.
Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig slammed his behavior and unfollowed him on Instagram. Hours later, Nawat issued a tearful apology on livestream.

Once Rocha heard about the scandal, he issued a video condemning the “public humiliation” of Fatima and announced legal action against Nawat. He also restricted Nawat’s presence at future activities. A MUO team, including new CEO Mario Búcaro, flew to Thailand. Tensions eased — briefly.

Just when fans thought the chaos was winding down, more bombshells dropped. Judge Omar Harfouch resigned, alleging an “improvised jury” had secretly selected the Top 30 before preliminaries even began — and that one judge had a personal relationship with Miss Paraguay.
Within 24 hours, French coach Claude Makélélé also resigned.
New judges were rushed in to fill the gaps.

Diana Fast, Miss Universe Germany, withdrew to spend time with her five-year-old son. She kept her national title but did not compete, sparking debate about timing and representation.

• Pageant legend Osmel Sousa retired unexpectedly after 50 years.
• Miss Universe Chile apologsed for a video that appeared to glamorise drug use.
• Miss Universe Iceland withdrew due to illness.
• Multiple contestants, including Miss Hungary, were hospitalised with food poisoning.

The preliminary evening gown competition turned frightening when Miss Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, fell off the stage and was taken away on a stretcher. Rocha accompanied her to the hospital, where she was found to have no broken bones but remained under evaluation. Miss Great Britain also slipped earlier in the night but recovered quickly.

Sahar Biniaz, who had already withdrawn in solidarity with a fellow Persian contestant arrested in Iran, revealed that she had been told she needed to generate substantial financial gains for MUO if she wanted to advance — igniting fresh outrage online.