What we know so far about Miss Universe 2025 candidates’ walkout, controversies

As the grand coronation night for Miss Universe 2025 draws near in Bangkok, Thailand, the air is thick with anticipation. However, alongside the glamour and excitement, this year's 74th edition has found itself embroiled in a series of controversies, sparking widespread debate and drawing strong reactions from fans across the globe.

Much of the recent drama traces back to a significant shift in leadership. After the JKN Global Group acquired the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) in October 2022, Anne Jakrajutatip, then CEO and Miss Universe Thailand franchise owner, made history as the first transgender woman to head the pageant. Yet, her tenure faced financial hurdles, with JKN filing for business rehabilitation due to substantial debt. This led to Anne stepping down earlier this year amidst regulatory scrutiny over alleged financial statement falsifications.

Following JKN's restructuring, a new era began for the MUO. Mexican businessman Raul Rocha Cantu's Legacy Holding acquired half of the organization's stake, with Raul himself appointed executive director. Simultaneously, the Miss Universe Thailand franchise rights went to Nawat Itsaragrisil, founder of Miss Grand International (MGI). While the plan was for Raul and Nawat to collaborate closely, tensions quickly surfaced, with Nawat publicly criticizing the MUO's social media promotions, hinting at a burgeoning power struggle.

One of the first major flare-ups involved an alleged illegal promotion. Nawat prompted authorities to seize Miss Universe promotional materials featuring a Philippine-based online gambling platform, PlayTime PH, a supposed major sponsor. Nawat asserted that advertising gambling activities is illegal under Thai law, vehemently opposing the pageant's association with the brand. Miss Grand International quickly distanced itself, clarifying that the promotional efforts were solely the MUO’s responsibility.

Another point of contention arose from an event titled "Top 10 Special Dinner & Talk Show with Queen Victoria and Mr. Nawat," organized by Nawat's Miss Universe Thailand Organization. While it generated considerable online engagement, particularly from Filipino fans rallying for their delegate, the MUO swiftly declared the event "unauthorized and misleading." This official stance led to its cancellation, with Miss Universe Thailand citing discomfort and withdrawal of support from their sponsors.

However, the most explosive incident, capturing global attention, occurred on November 4th: a dramatic walkout by multiple candidates, including the reigning Miss Universe, Victoria Theilvig. During a sashing ceremony and orientation, Nawat publicly admonished Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch for reportedly skipping a host country sponsor shoot. His ensuing heated exchange with Bosch, where he accused her of undue loyalty to her national director and reportedly called her a "dumbhead," escalated rapidly.

As Bosch walked out in protest, she was immediately joined by Victoria Theilvig, with several other candidates preparing to follow suit despite Nawat's attempts to deter them. Outside the hall, Bosch powerfully articulated her disappointment, stressing that women should never compromise their dignity for their dreams. She declared, "We are empowered women, and this is a platform for our voice, and no one can shut our voice."

In a decisive move, MUO President Raul Rocha publicly condemned Nawat's behavior, asserting that he "will not allow the values of respect and dignity toward women to be violated," and accusing Nawat of humiliation and intimidation. Raul announced significant restrictions, potentially removing Nawat entirely from participating in future Miss Universe events. While the MUO confirmed its continued partnership with MGI, Nawat later offered an apology on social media and at the delegates' welcome ceremony, attributing his actions to immense pressure and expressing his respect for everyone involved.

Despite these tumultuous pre-pageant events, the show is set to go on. This marks the fourth time Thailand has hosted the prestigious pageant, previously crowning queens in 1992, 2005, and 2018. All eyes will undoubtedly remain on Bangkok as the world awaits to see how these controversies will impact the ultimate celebration of beauty and empowerment.