Inside the Miss Universe 2025 Pageant Scandals: Insults, Injuries and More

After weeks of scandals, controversies and viral moments, the chaotic 2025 Miss Universe pageant came to a close on November 21, 2025.

Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch was crowned the winner of the competition, just weeks after she made headlines for her feud with pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil. During a pre-pageant ceremony on November 3, Nawat publicly scolded Bosch for not posting about the pageant’s host country, Thailand, on social media, going so far as to call her a “dumbhead.” Nawat later apologized, but was dismissed from this year’s pageant.

“Today I reaffirmed that what God has destined for you, neither envy stops it, nor destiny aborts it, nor luck changes it,” Bosch wrote via Instagram, translated from Spanish to English, after her win.

“Long live Chris the King,” she added, in Spanish.

Bosch and Nawat’s feud was far from the only scandal that plagued the 2025 Miss Universe competition. Keep scrolling to see the other controversial moments:

Who Is Miss Universe Exec Nawat Itsaragrisil? Miss Mexico Scandal Explained

Nawat Itsaragrisil Insults Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch

Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch and Thai businessman Nawat Itsaragrisil, who holds executive positions within the Miss Universe Organization and Miss Universe Thailand, made headlines in early November 2025 after Nawat publicly insulted Bosch by calling her a “dumbhead,” an expression that means “fool” or “emptyheaded.”

“We respect you, just as you should respect us. I’m here representing my country, and it’s not my fault you have problems with my organization,” Bosch told Nawat.

He replied, “No, you must listen to me first, then argue with me.”

Bosch and several other contestants then stormed out of the room, leading Nawat to call security.

Bosch later told the media, “He called me dumb because he has issues with the organization, and I think that’s unfair.”

Nawat ultimately apologized in an Instagram video on November 4.

“If anyone [was] feeling not good, if anyone [was] not comfortable. If anyone [was affected], I do apologize for everyone,” he said.

Meanwhile, Miss Universe Organization president Raul Rocha announced that Nawat’s role in the pageant would be diminished.

“I will not allow the values of respect and dignity toward women to be violated. Unfortunately, Nawat has forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host,” Rocha said. “It means to demonstrate to all delegates of all countries that he, as a host, has the obligation to serve them, assist them and support them. And to ensure they have a unique life experience filled with kindness and courtesy.”

Two Miss Universe Judges Quit

One week after the walkout scandal, two judges announced their resignation from the competition before it was set to begin. One judge, Omar Harfouch, claimed that the event was rigged, alleging that none of the “real eight members of the jury,” including himself, were present to select the 30 finalists from the 136 participating countries.

“After having a disrespectful conversation with [Miss Universe CEO] Raul Rocha about the lack of transparency in the Miss Universe voting process, l decided to resign from the jury and refuse to be part of this charade,” Harfouch wrote via Instagram. “I will also not be playing the music composed for the event.”

Who Is Fatima Bosch? Meet Miss Mexico Amid Miss Universe Scandal

The Miss Universe Organization issued a statement in response, saying that Harfouch’s comments “incorrectly suggested that an unauthorized or impromptu jury had been formed and that the official judges had been excluded from the selection of finalists.”

“Given Mr. Harfouch’s expressed confusion, his public mischaracterization of the program and his stated desire not to participate, the Miss Universe Organization respectfully acknowledges his withdrawal from the official judging panel,” the statement added.

Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry Falls Off Stage

During the preliminary evening gown round on November 19, 2025, Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry fell off the stage and was carried away on a stretcher.

Henry was “rushed to the Paolo Rangsit Hospital, where medical professionals are attending to her care and have advised that she is not suffering from any life-threatening injuries,” the Miss Universe Jamaica Organization shared via Instagram after the incident.

Rocha later shared an update on Henry’s condition on November 24, revealing that the “latest medical report confirms that Dr. Gabrielle Henry is in good health and nearing discharge.”

Additionally, Rocha said that after Henry’s fall, he “personally entered the stage to assist her, coordinated urgent medical attention, and oversaw her immediate transfer to the hospital.”

“I was present at the emergency room alongside her family, with whom I spoke directly. I recommended a series of precautionary actions, some beyond standard protocol, to guarantee the most accurate evaluation, monitoring, and medical oversight,” Rocha continued. “Additional medical specialists were also brought in to provide multiple professional assessments and ensure full clarity regarding her condition.”

Miss Universe Estonia Brigitta Schaback Resigns

Miss Universe Estonia Brigitta Schaback renounced her title days after the competition.

“My values and work ethics do not align with those of the National Director, Natalie Korneitsik,” she wrote via Instagram on November 23, 2025. “My commitment is to women’s empowerment and equality, and I will continue this work independently, without any further association with Miss Universe Estonia. Thank you everyone for your kind words and support.”

The Miss Estonia Organization told People that there was “no personal conflict involved” in Schaback’s decision.

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“The National Director made every effort to provide Brigitta Schaback with the opportunity to participate in the Miss Universe competition. Unfortunately, some of Mrs. Schaback’s recent public comments were inappropriate, harmful to others, not aligned with professional protocols, and contributed to public controversy,” the statement continued.

The organization did not specify which of Schaback’s comments were “inappropriate.” Schaback did not respond to the outlet’s request for comment.

Miss Universe Africa and Oceania Olivia Yace Resigns

Miss Universe Africa and Oceania Olivia Yacé, the pageant’s fourth runner-up, also stepped down from her title.

“As the representative of Côte d’Ivoire at the Miss Universe 2025 competition in Bangkok, I witnessed firsthand that I was capable of accomplishing great things despite adversity,” she announced via Instagram on November 24, 2025. “But to continue on this path, I must remain true to my values: respect, dignity, excellence, and equal opportunity the strongest pillars that guide me.”

Yacé added, “With a heart full of gratitude and profound respect, I hereby announce my resignation from the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, as well as from any future affiliation with the Miss Universe Committee.”

Yacé added that “to fully reach my potential, I must remain firmly anchored in my values guiding principles that pave the way toward excellence.” She also referenced comments she made during the pageant about being a role model to the younger generation.

“I encourage them to push their limits, to walk confidently into rooms where they believe they do not belong, and to proudly embrace their identity. It is this commitment to being a positive influence that guides my decision today,” she said. “Stepping away from this diminished role of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania will allow me to dedicate myself fully to defending the values I hold dear.”

Yacé continued, “I call upon Black, African, Caribbean, American, and Afro-descendant communities: continue entering spaces where you are not expected. Let us open the way for the brothers and sisters who will follow us. Never let anyone define who we are or limit our potential. Our presence matters, and our voices must be heard.”