Inside the turmoil of Miss Universe 2025: Backstage drama, voting controversy, and a contestant injury

Mexico’s Fatima Bosch finally claimed the Miss Universe 2025 crown in Bangkok, Thailand, two weeks after a tense clash with a pageant organiser almost cost her the competition. The Tabasco native took centre stage not only with her grace and beauty but also with a clear determination to use her title to champion women’s empowerment.

“Being Miss Universe means using my voice and influence for others,” Bosch told the audience. “Women must speak up, drive change, and stand boldly, because it is the courageous who make history.” Her victory, however, was overshadowed by a series of controversies. From Bosch’s public clash with pageant director Nawat Itsaragrisi to Miss Chile issuing an apology for her viral stunt, here are the key highlights of the Miss Universe 2025 pageant.

Drama and walkouts shake Miss Universe 2025 pageant

The trouble began on 4 November, when Bosch clashed publicly with pageant director Nawat Itsaragrisi during a Facebook livestream. The director reportedly insulted her for refusing a photoshoot, calling her a “dumbhead,” which led Bosch to condemn the lack of respect for her as a woman. Security was summoned to escort her away, prompting several contestants, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark, to stage a walkout in solidarity. Nawat later issued a public apology, acknowledging the distress his actions caused.

The turmoil continued when former Miss Universe 1996, Alicia Machado, came under fire for making offensive remarks and gestures about Asian people while misidentifying Nawat’s ethnicity during a livestream. Her behaviour drew widespread condemnation, with publicist Josh Yugen urging people to “unfollow ignorance” and stressing that racism remains a problem that requires education, not retaliation.

Adding to the chaos, Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry sustained a serious fall during the preliminary evening gown round. Footage showed her collapsing on stage in an orange gown and heels, after which she was carried out on a stretcher. According to the Miss Universe Jamaica Organisation, Henry remains in intensive care, with her sister Dr Phylicia Henry-Samuels confirming that she is under continuous monitoring.

Controversy over voting and conduct

Concerns over the pageant’s fairness surfaced when two judges resigned shortly before the finale. Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch accused the organisers of pre-selecting finalists, labelling Bosch a “fake winner.” Later, French football manager Claude Makélélé also stepped down, citing personal reasons while reaffirming his respect for the pageant’s values of empowerment and diversity. The Miss Universe Organisation denied any wrongdoing, emphasising that no external influence had impacted the judging process.

The controversies didn’t stop there. Miss Chile contestant Inna Moll faced backlash after a video showed her pretending to snort what appeared to be cocaine, following a viral TikTok trend. Moll later apologised on Instagram for offending viewers.

Despite the controversies, Bosch’s victory has been widely celebrated in Mexico, with fans applauding her talent, dedication, and advocacy for social causes. This year’s pageant, however, highlighted just how unpredictable and challenging international competitions can be. From disputes with organisers and fellow contestants to allegations of misconduct, the 2025 edition was as dramatic behind the scenes as it was on stage. For Fatima Bosch, the crown represents not only a personal triumph but also a platform to drive change on a global level.