The Miss Universe pageant this year has been engulfed in chaos since Mexico’s Fátima Bosch Fernández was crowned the winner amid allegations of bullying, vote rigging, and other controversies. The situation has escalated even further, with Miss Universe Haiti Melissa Queenie Sapini expressing concerns about behind-the-scenes issues during the competition in Bangkok.
Numerous incidents plagued the event, including a Thai organizer’s harsh treatment of Bosch, judges withdrawing, accusations of vote manipulation, a fake drug scandal, and a contestant falling off the stage. The unfolding drama has raised questions about the future of the 74-year-old pageant and its relevance in modern times.
Following the winner’s announcement, several contestants, including Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry, have renounced their titles, and there are now arrest warrants for co-owners of the pageant in Thailand and Mexico. Miss Universe Organization President Raul Rocha has also indicated his intention to sell his stake amidst the ongoing controversies.
Despite the turmoil, the Miss Universe Organization claims record viewership, with billions of global views across social media platforms. However, the negative publicity and internal conflicts within the pageant have led to contestants and organizations distancing themselves from the competition.
Contestants like Olivia Yace from Côte d’Ivoire and Brigitta Schaback from Estonia have stepped down, citing conflicting values and ethical concerns. Frédéric Gilbert of the Miss France organization has also raised doubts about continued participation due to transparency issues in the selection process.
Furthermore, allegations of misconduct and mistreatment have surfaced, with contestants like Camila Vitorino from Miss Universe Portugal and Melissa Sapini from Miss Universe Haiti speaking out against the organization. The ongoing controversies have sparked investigations and legal actions, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Miss Universe pageant.
