Miss Universe 2025– once hailed as the “world’s most prestigious beauty pageant” – has descended into unprecedented chaos. Just days after the event began in early November, the competition became a firestorm of infighting, scandal and organizational unrest, leading fans and media to label it the worst edition ever. Miss Universeit’s 70 years of history.
A crisis like never before
The trouble began when the Miss Universe The Organization (MUO) has issued an official warning about unauthorized events being held under the Miss Universe brand, including a dubbed one “Special dinner and talk show.”
In response, Miss Grande International (MGI) the local host for Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand they responded, insisting that all marketing and voting campaigns had already been pre-approved by the organization. Conflicting press statements released by both sides on the same day exposed a serious rift within the party Miss Universe system, something rare in its decades-long history.
Shortly after, Thai media reported it Miss Universe contestants allegedly participated in a promotional shoot for an online casino platform inside the official host hotel, an act that violates Thai law and tarnished the host country’s reputation.
When the scandal broke, Thai police launched an investigation. Nawat Itsaragrisil, CEO of Miss Grande International and head of Miss Universe 2025 organizing committee in Thailand, was summoned by the police to provide testimony. He claimed that MGI was not involved, blaming an affiliate sponsor Miss Universe for carrying out unauthorized promotional activities.
According to MGI’s official statement, the accident resulted from a Miss Universe sponsor who was acting independently and the Thai organizers had neither approved nor participated in the casino-related activities.
Explosive tensions at the event
On November 4, during the official sash ceremony, tension reached a fever pitch, then erupted into chaos. According to Missosology, Nawat allegedly confronted Raul, the director of the MUO, and openly criticized his management. He also clashed with Miss Mexico, who allegedly refused to pose for MUO media photos but agreed to work with Telemundo, a separate broadcast partner.
The argument escalated, causing Miss Mexico to burst into tears and leave. The ruler Miss Universe 2024Victoria Kjær Theilvig also announced that she will not return, declaring: “Every woman deserves respect. Neglecting others is unacceptable and not something I want to represent.”
Several competitors, particularly from Latin America and Africa, followed suit, leaving the event prematurely.
From glory to chaos
The ongoing fiasco has left fans deeply disappointed. Instead of celebrating empowerment and diversity this year Miss Universe it has become a stage for public controversy and mismanagement.
On the evening of November 4, both MUO and Nawat issued joint statements supporting this “the problems had been solved” and that the organizations would continue to collaborate. However, public opinion remains sceptical, with social media users mocking the contest “a beauty pageant turned market.”
A fall from prestige
Once a symbol of elegance and global inspiration, Miss Universe now faces an identity crisis. Since Thai billionaire Anne Jakrajutatip, CEO of JKN Global Group, acquired the Miss Universe brand in 2022, the pageant has undergone sweeping reforms, allowing married women, mothers and contestants from diverse backgrounds to participate.
But behind the progressive facade lies financial instability. Within just over a year of the acquisition, JKN Global Group fell into a severe liquidity crisis, forcing the organization to heavily market the brand through voting systems and franchise fees.
The “premium” image it once defined Miss Universe began to erode. The power struggles intensified when Nawat Itsaragrisil, known for his outspoken personality, became a major shareholder of JKN in April 2025. His involvement further polarized the organization.
In June 2025, Anne Jakrajutatip stepped down as CEO due to mounting financial problems. Mario Búcaro took over, but tensions between the MUO’s global leadership and the Thai organizers persisted.
The stark contrast between MUO’s global and inclusive image and MGI’s entertainment-oriented approach has led to constant clashes. As industry experts note, “Miss Universe has lost her unity, too many leaders, too many egos.”
What is the future of Miss Universe?
Despite the controversy, the Miss Universe 2025 the grand finale is still set for November 21, with 123 competitors.
Yet as the chaos unfolds, many longtime fans mourn what Miss Universe it once represented a celebration of beauty, intelligence and empowerment. Today it has become a spectacle of discord, leaving many to wonder whether the pageant can ever regain its lost crown.
Sources: Znews
