From Miss Mexico Being Called a “Dummy” to Miss Jamaica’s On-Stage Fall: Everything That Went Down at Miss Universe 2025

From leadership shake-ups to viral walkouts and shocking on-stage accidents, Miss Universe 2025 has been one of the most chaotic editions in recent memory. Held in Bangkok, the pageant was surrounded by controversy long before Mexico’s Fátima Bosch finally claimed the crown on November 21. Here’s a complete rundown of everything that happened in the lead-up to the big night.

A leadership bombshell just days before the pageant

The turbulence began behind the scenes. In an unexpected corporate twist, the Miss Universe Organisation announced a brand-new CEO former diplomat Mario Búcaro replacing Anne Jakrajutatip, who had purchased the brand in 2022 for $20 million and famously declared a new women-led era for the organisation.

Anne’s sudden exit in October 2024 came amid mounting financial troubles at JKN Global Group, including a bankruptcy petition and a fraud investigation. She sold half her stake earlier in 2024, making way for Mario Búcaro as CEO and Raul Rocha as president. Anne has remained silent on her resignation, and the organisation has moved forward under its new leadership.

The viral walkout that stunned fans worldwide

Drama exploded on November 4 during a meeting with all contestants when Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil confronted Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch over a missed promotional event and the exchange was caught live on Facebook.

Nawat accused her of being unreliable and, in a moment that instantly went viral, told her:
“If you listen to your director, you’re a dumbhead.”

Fátima responded calmly:
“You are not respecting me as a woman.”

The clash triggered a mass walkout by several contestants. When Nawat ordered them to sit down “if they wished to continue the contest,” backlash erupted worldwide. Miss Universe president Raul Rocha later restricted Nawat from future events, calling his behavior “a serious abuse” and insisting that only the delegates should shine.

Racism, rumors, and a TikTok scandal

Just as the controversy seemed to be cooling, former Miss Universe Alicia Machado (1996) ignited public outrage by making racist remarks about Nawat during an Instagram Live, referring to him as Chinese and mocking “slanted eyes” on camera.

Then came another shocker: Miss Chile 2025 Inna Moll posted a TikTok where she pretended to snort a line of powder as part of a makeup transition trend. The video was widely criticized for glamorizing drug use. Inna later apologized, blaming a misunderstanding, and her makeup artist who suggested the idea  also issued a public apology.

Judges pull out at the last minute

The chaos didn’t stop with contestants. Right before the finals, three judges withdrew:

• Pianist Omar Harfouch

• Former French football star Claude Makélélé

• Princess Camilla di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, who was linked to the Miss Universe social impact committee

Omar claimed the organisation held a secret, unofficial vote involving non-jury members. Miss Universe denied this, clarifying that the so-called committee was unrelated to judging. Claude cited “personal reasons” for his exit.

Miss Jamaica’s terrifying fall during preliminaries

One of the most alarming moments came during the preliminary evening gown round when Miss Jamaica 2025, Gabrielle Henry, slipped and fell off the stage. She was rushed to the hospital with minor injuries but, thankfully, suffered no fractures.

Raul Rocha posted an update reassuring fans:
“Thankfully, there are no broken bones and she is under good care.”

Gabrielle remained under observation but continued to receive widespread support from fans and fellow contestants.

A chaotic season ends with Mexico’s victory

Despite the storms surrounding the pageant, the finale concluded with Mexico’s Fátima Bosch crowned Miss Universe 2025 a dramatic ending to a season defined by tension, turbulence, and unforgettable headlines.