The Miss Universe pageant crowned its new winner, Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch, during a dramatic ceremony held in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 4, 2025. This year’s competition was marked by various incidents leading up to the finale, including a contestant falling off the stage and a heated exchange between Bosch and the pageant director. However, controversy is not new to the Miss Universe Organization, which has navigated a series of scandals since its inception in 1952.
The history of the pageant is rife with notable controversies that have sparked discussions around its policies and practices. In 1957, Mary Leona Gage, the winner of the Miss USA title, was disqualified from competing in Miss Universe after it was revealed that she had lied about her marital status and age. At that time, contestants were prohibited from being married or having children, a rule that remained until 2023.
One of the more prominent figures associated with the pageant, Bob Barker, hosted Miss Universe from 1966 to 1987. His resignation came after he protested the organization’s use of fur coats as prizes. In response to his concerns, the organization agreed to switch to faux fur, but after plans to revert to real fur in 1988, Barker stepped down permanently.
In 1994, the pageant faced backlash after Brenda Robles, Miss Puerto Rico, was stripped of her title for competing while secretly pregnant. This incident highlighted the strict regulations concerning contestants’ personal lives.
The pageant’s association with Donald Trump, who was an executive producer from 1996 to 2015, also brought its share of controversies. Trump publicly criticized winner Alicia Machado for gaining weight after her victory, which led to accusations of body shaming. During a presidential debate in 2016, Hillary Clinton highlighted Trump’s derogatory comments towards Machado, which included calling her “Miss Piggy” and “Miss Housekeeping.”
In 2002, political tensions led to Christina Sawaya, Miss Lebanon, dropping out of the competition to avoid competing against Miss Israel. This incident underscored the complexities of international relations within the pageant context.
Another significant incident occurred in 2008 when Ingrid Marie Rivera, Miss Puerto Rico, alleged that her makeup had been tampered with using pepper spray before the pageant. Investigations confirmed the presence of the substance on her gown, leading to speculation about sabotage within the organization.
The pageant continued to evolve, facing challenges related to inclusivity. In 2012, Jenna Talackova, a transgender woman, fought for her right to compete after being initially barred due to her gender identity. Following public outcry and legal action, the pageant changed its policies.
The recent tenure of CEO Anne Jakrajutatip has also been marred by controversies. Just prior to the 2025 pageant, Jakrajutatip faced backlash for comments made about the ideal representation of beauty, stating, “We have blond and blue eyes, so we’re coming to the ultimate evolution already.” This remark sparked criticism from contestants and observers alike, particularly following her statement that diverse contestants “can compete, but they can’t win.”
In a recent incident that captured attention, Nawat Itsaragrisil, the director of Miss Universe Thailand, verbally attacked Bosch during a sponsorship event. This confrontation led several contestants to walk out in solidarity with Bosch. Following the public outcry, Itsaragrisil was barred from participating in the pageant, although he was still present at the finals.
The Miss Universe Organization announced on October 29, 2025, that it had appointed Mario Búcaro as the new CEO after Jakrajutatip stepped down amid financial difficulties and management controversies. Búcaro, a former diplomat, is tasked with guiding the organization toward a new era of growth and focus on empowerment.
As the Miss Universe pageant continues to navigate its complex history, the organization remains a focal point for discussions on beauty standards, inclusivity, and the intersection of culture and politics. The events of 2025 serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and transformations within the realm of beauty competitions.
