The Miss Universe pageant is set to crown its new titleholder this Friday in Bangkok, marking the end of the 74th edition of the renowned beauty competition, which has recently been overshadowed by controversy.
This year’s event has been hampered by scandals, including allegations of rigging and a significant walkout by contestants following a confrontational incident involving a Thai pageant director and Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch. The pageant, often referred to as the “Super Bowl” of beauty competitions, attracts millions of viewers globally and showcases representatives from over 120 countries. The vibrant and lucrative beauty pageant industry in Thailand, the host country, enjoys immense popularity alongside that of the Philippines.
One of the standout moments from the competition is the participation of Nadeen Ayoub, who is making history as the first representative from Palestine. Ayoub took to Instagram to express her pride, stating, “I represent every Palestinian woman and child whose strength the world needs to see.”
Throughout the three-week competition, contestants engaged in a variety of events featuring national costumes, where they showcased elaborately designed outfits to celebrate their cultures. Notably, Miss USA, Audrey Eckert, captivated the audience with a striking bald eagle ensemble.
However, the competition also experienced a distressing incident when Gabrielle Henry from Jamaica suffered a fall during the preliminary evening gown round and was taken away on a stretcher. Fortunately, updates from Miss Universe President Raul Rocha confirmed that she was receiving appropriate medical care and had not suffered any fractures.
The misconduct encountered during this year’s pageant has prompted significant discussion about the underlying issues in beauty competitions and their impact on women’s empowerment. The dramatic confrontation between Bosch and the Miss Universe Thailand director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, ignited accusations of misogyny and garnered critical responses, including from Mexico’s president who condemned the treatment of Bosch.
Additionally, the pageant faced further scrutiny when two judges withdrew from the panel just days before the event, citing dissatisfaction with the judging process. Composer Omar Harfouch claimed that a clandestine panel had already pre-selected contestants, which the Miss Universe Organization has strongly denied, reiterating that the judging system follows an established and transparent protocol.
Recent leadership changes have also marked the organization, with discussion around the financial struggles of the previous owner, Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, who filed for bankruptcy in 2023. Mario Búcaro was appointed CEO shortly before the delegates arrived, bringing fresh leadership to the trending spectacle.
Despite its challenges, the Miss Universe competition continues to draw attention, highlighting not only diverse cultural expressions but also the evolving conversations surrounding the pageant’s role in society. As anticipation builds for the crowning event in Bangkok, the focus remains on celebrating beauty, talent, and the resilience of women from around the world.