Miss Universe 2025—once hailed as the “world’s most prestigious beauty pageant”—has plunged into unprecedented chaos. Just days after the event kicked off in early November, the competition has become a storm of infighting, scandals, and organizational turmoil, leading fans and media to label it the worst edition in Miss Universe’s 70-year history.
A Crisis Like Never Before
The trouble began when the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) issued an official warning about unauthorized events being held under the Miss Universe brand, including one dubbed “Special Dinner & Talk Show.”
In response, Miss Grand International (MGI) the local host for Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand fired back, insisting that all marketing and voting campaigns had already been pre-approved by the organization. The conflicting press statements released by both sides on the same day exposed a serious rift within the Miss Universe system, something rarely seen in its decades-long history.
Soon after, Thai media reported that Miss Universe contestants had allegedly participated in promotional filming for an online casino platform inside the official host hotel an act that violates Thai law and tarnished the host country’s reputation.
As the scandal broke, Thai police launched an investigation. Nawat Itsaragrisil, CEO of Miss Grand International and head of the Miss Universe 2025 organizing committee in Thailand, was summoned by police to provide testimony. He asserted that MGI was not involved, blaming a sponsor affiliated with Miss Universe for conducting unauthorized promotional activities.
According to MGI’s official statement, the incident stemmed from a Miss Universe sponsor acting independently, and the Thai organizers had neither approved nor participated in the casino-related activities.
Explosive Tensions at the Event
On November 4, tensions reached a boiling point during the official sash ceremony, which descended into chaos. According to Missosology, Nawat reportedly confronted Raul, the MUO director, 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 broadcasting partner.
The argument escalated, causing Miss Mexico to burst into tears and walk out. The reigning Miss Universe 2024, Victoria Kjær Theilvig, also announced she would not return, declaring: “Every woman deserves respect. Disregarding others is unacceptable, and it’s not something I want to represent.”
Several contestants 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’s Miss Universe has become a stage for public disputes and mismanagement.
By the evening of November 4, both MUO and Nawat released joint statements claiming that “the issues had been resolved” and that the organizations would continue to collaborate. However, public opinion remains skeptical, with social media users mocking the pageant as “a beauty contest turned marketplace.”
A Fall from Prestige
Once a symbol of global elegance and 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 of 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 commercialize the brand heavily through voting systems and franchise fees.
The “premium” image that once defined Miss Universe began to erode. 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 amid mounting financial troubles. Mario Búcaro took over, but tensions between MUO’s global leadership and the Thai organizers persisted.
The stark contrast between MUO’s global, inclusive image and MGI’s entertainment-driven approach has led to constant clashes. As industry insiders note, “Miss Universe has lost its unity too many leaders, too many egos.”
What’s Next for Miss Universe?
Despite the controversy, the Miss Universe 2025 grand finale is still set for November 21, featuring 123 contestants.
Yet as the chaos unfolds, many longtime fans are mourning what Miss Universe once stood for a celebration of beauty, intelligence, and empowerment. Today, it’s become a spectacle of discord, leaving many to wonder whether the pageant can ever reclaim its lost crown.
Sources: Znews