Miss Universe 2025 has captured global attention not only for the excitement of crowning a new queen but also for the wave of controversies surrounding it. The 74th edition, held in Thailand, has sparked widespread conversation — from Anne Jakrajutatip’s resignation as director of JKN Group, to Miss Germany giving up her crown, to Nawat Itsaragrisil’s insult toward Miss Universe Mexico, and even the resignation of two judges. Below, we recap all the scandals that have shaped this year’s competition.
Anne Jakrajutatip’s resignation
In early June, Thai businesswoman Anne Jakrajutatip resigned from her position as president of JKN Global Group, the parent company of Miss Universe. Her departure took everyone by surprise, especially after Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission launched investigations into her and her sister, Pimuma Jakrajutatip.
The allegations involved false statements and failing to maintain proper accounting and financial records for 2023 and early 2024. As a result, Anne has made no public appearances during the Miss Universe 2025 pageant, coincidentally held in her home country.
Restrictions and bans
Before the pageant began in early November, media access and some content creators were restricted from early activities leading up to the preliminary ceremony. Only on November 18 were they allowed to attend key events—without sharing any details beforehand. Officials noted that Miss Grand International Public Company Limited (MGI) is the official entity granting media credentials, emphasizing that Telemundo had no authority to accredit anyone for the event.
At the same time, controversy erupted when makeup artists sent by Raúl Rocha—president of the Miss Universe Organization and co-owner of the brand—were banned. The artists were left disoriented in Thailand, unsure how to proceed. Contestants could only receive help from makeup artists provided by the brand Chat.
The Special Dinner organized by Nawat Itsaragrisil
With Anne absent and Raúl Rocha in Mexico, Nawat Itsaragrisil was tasked with overseeing events during the concentration period, preparing everything for the final. Though he holds franchise rights in Thailand, he does not own Miss Universe. Nawat is also the director of Miss Universe Thailand and the founder of Miss Grand International (MGI).
Attempting to bring MGI-style practices to Miss Universe, Nawat introduced a popularity contest in which ten contestants could win a special dinner with him. Under the name Top 10 Special Dinner & Talk Show with Queen Victoria and Mr. Nawat, he posted photos of more than 120 contestants on Miss Universe Thailand's social platforms, asking the public to like and share. The ten contestants with the most engagement would win.
When Miss Universe learned of this contest, the organization issued a statement distancing itself from the activity, declaring it inconsistent with the values upheld for over 70 years and forbidding its continuation. Nawat responded with a statement claiming the contest was part of their commercial agreement with Thailand.
The offense toward Miss Universe Mexico
During the sash ceremony, tensions peaked when Nawat criticized some contestants for not promoting the dinner. He directly called out Fátima Bosch, Miss Universe Mexico, who said she needed approval from her national directors to avoid conflicts of interest. This angered Nawat, who called her a “dumb head.” Fátima defended herself, prompting Nawat to call security to remove her from the room.
Fátima left voluntarily. When some contestants attempted to follow her, Nawat threatened to remove them from the competition. Victoria Kjær, Miss Universe 2024, expressed her frustration, stating that such behavior did not represent the organization. The Danish queen then unfollowed Nawat on Instagram.
Hours later, Nawat livestreamed an apology. From Mexico, Raúl Rocha postponed the rest of the sashing event to reduce tensions. Fátima chose to remain in the competition, knowing she had done nothing wrong.
Raúl Rocha’s statement and Nawat’s conflicts with Mexico
The situation went viral, and once Rocha heard, he released a video announcing legal action against Nawat and restricting his involvement in future pageant activities. Rocha condemned the public humiliation of Fátima, calling Nawat’s behavior abusive and unacceptable.
Rocha sent a team to Thailand, including Mario Búcaro, the new CEO of Miss Universe Organization, and Ronald Day. Despite their arrival, Nawat hosted the presentation ceremony. Before the event started, Nawat held a press conference where he issued another apology through tears. Still, he never addressed Fátima directly. Shortly after his statement, traces of the controversial popularity contest disappeared from Miss Universe Thailand’s social pages.
While this was developing, George Figueroa, the director of Miss Universe Mexico, exposed deeper cultural and professional conflicts with Nawat. He accused Nawat of falsely claiming George had been arrested and expelled from Thailand and noted that Nawat opposed sponsorship deals with an online casino due to local restrictions. George also faced accusations back home from contestants alleging harassment and physical aggression.
Alleged mistreatment of Miss Grand International’s queen
During the presentation ceremony, Nawat brought Emma Tiglao—Miss Grand International—to the stage. Observers highlighted his aggressive grip on her arm. Fans also disliked that MGI elements were being mixed into Miss Universe, arguing that the standards were different. Past accusations resurfaced, including claims by Rachel Gupta, Miss Grand International 2024, who resigned from the organization after alleging physical, psychological, and emotional abuse from Nawat’s circle.
Reactions from former Miss Universe winners
The conflict with Fátima prompted past winners like Ximena Navarrete (2010), Andrea Meza (2021), Sheynnis Palacios (2023), and Alicia Machado (1996) to speak out, condemning Nawat’s behavior. Machado criticized the Miss Universe environment, saying the pageant no longer felt joyful. Nawat responded to her sarcastically, saying his country “wasn’t good enough” for her.
Magali Febles, director of Miss Universe Dominican Republic, also voiced concern over Nawat’s “inappropriate behavior,” adding that it failed to honor the values expected of international directors.
Low ticket sales for the final
Due to the controversies, ticket sales for both the preliminary events and the final pageant, held at Impact Arena in Pak Kret, Thailand, on November 21, were significantly affected. Because of the time difference, the event will air on Thursday evening in the Americas via Telemundo.
Miss Universe Germany gives up her crown
Once contestants arrived in Thailand, Diana Fast, Miss Universe Germany, was noticeably absent. She chose to remove herself from the competition to stay home with her five-year-old son and spend time with her family. She said that, had she won, she would have spent a year traveling away from home.
Her decision sparked mixed reactions: many supported her choice, while others said she should have made the decision sooner, allowing another contestant to represent Germany. The organization allowed her to keep her title without competing. To show her goodwill, Fast made donations to an animal shelter in Thailand.
Osmel Sousa retires from Miss Universe
Osmel Sousa, known as the “Beauty Czar,” had worked with Miss Universe for over 50 years. But amid rumors of conflict, he announced his resignation at the start of the concentration. He denied disputes with the organization and said that he wanted to spend more time with loved ones.
Miss Universe Chile and her controversial video
During the concentration, Inna Moll, Miss Universe Chile, sparked backlash after posting a video where she appeared to pretend to inhale white powder during a makeup session while Shakira’s “Addicted to You” played in the background.
Critics said the video made light of drug use. Inna later apologized, claiming the idea came from a persistent makeup artist.
Miss Universe Iceland drops out
Helena O’Connor, considered one of the competition's frontrunners, withdrew from the event for personal reasons after feeling ill. Her organization confirmed she was recovering but unable to continue.
Food poisoning at Miss Universe
Kincső Dezsényi, Miss Universe Hungary, was hospitalized for severe food poisoning. Several contestants, including Miss Panama, Miss Honduras, and Miss Estonia, also reported similar symptoms and paused activities while recovering.
Miss Universe Estonia expresses dissatisfaction
After her closed-door interview, Brigitta Schaback criticized the invasive questions she was asked, saying they reminded her of a job interview where she was rejected for personal reasons. She later reaffirmed her belief that all women deserve equal opportunities and explained that her advocacy platform “Voice of Change” was born from that principle.
Nawat and Raúl Rocha’s brief truce—and two judge resignations
With the Miss Universe leadership team arriving in Thailand, tensions temporarily eased. Rocha and Nawat were photographed smiling together with pianist Omar Harfouch.
Within a day, controversies popped up again, with Harfouch resigning as a judge. He cited irregularities, specifically, a secret “improvised jury” that allegedly selected the Top 30 without consulting the eight official judges. He also denounced a conflict of interest involving judge James Irvin Healy and Miss Universe Paraguay, Yanina Gómez. Harfouch refused to participate further or to perform his music.
French football coach Claude Makélélé also resigned without giving details, citing personal reasons.
Two new judges, Dr. Nok Chalida (Miss Thailand 1998) and musician Louie Heredia, were appointed.
Accidents during the preliminary competition
Miss Universe Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, suffered a severe fall from the stage during the evening gown portion and was taken out on a stretcher. Rocha accompanied her to the hospital, confirming she had no broken bones but still required tests. Her participation in the final remains uncertain.
Miss Universe Great Britain, Danielle Latimer, also tripped during her national costume performance but quickly recovered and continued.
Fátima Bosch revealed she stepped on glass in her hotel room, injuring her foot. She chose to postpone medical care until after the final.
Miss Universe Persia 2025 exposes irregularities
In October, Sahar Biniaz withdrew from the pageant in solidarity with Golshan Barazesh, who was arrested during a trip to Iran. Days ago, Sahar revealed that someone within the organization told her she needed to generate significant financial gains for MUO to advance in the competition.
This marked her second time qualifying for Miss Universe; she previously won Miss Universe Canada 2012 but withdrew due to a hiking injury.