Post by : Meena Ariff

In a dramatic conclusion to the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand, Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, has been crowned the new titleholder. This year's competition has been fraught with controversy, including Bosch walking out during a pre-event after being scolded by an official about promotional duties, triggering a wave of solidarity from her fellow contestants.

Shortly thereafter, two judges stepped down, one claiming the competition had been manipulated. Nevertheless, Bosch emerged victorious, with Thailand’s Praveenar Singh as the runner-up, followed by contestants from Venezuela, the Philippines, and Côte d’Ivoire making up the top five.

This marks the 74th iteration of the pageant, a longstanding institution in global beauty competitions since 1952. Analysts suggest the disputes illuminate cultural differences between the Thai and Mexican management teams. Thailand has hosted the event four times, showcasing its contestant as a favorite among fans.

Behind the Curtain Drama

The event, organized by Thai media entrepreneur Nawat Itsaragrasil, was under the guidance of Mexican businessman Raul Rocha. Tensions escalated when Mr. Nawat reprimanded Bosch for not sharing promotional material, prompting her exit and support from other participants.

The Miss Universe Organization labeled the situation as "malicious," leading Rocha to step in remotely and requesting Nawat to cease the confrontation. Nawat later issued an apology, attributing the incident to misunderstandings, and an international team was dispatched to supervise the proceedings.

Judges Resigning Amid Allegations

Not long after, Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch and former French footballer Claude Makelele left the judging panel, with Harfouch voicing suspicions of pre-selection of finalists. The organization countered these accusations, asserting that the independent Beyond the Crown program functions independently from the main event.

Additionally, Miss Jamaica faced a mishap during the evening gown round, resulting in her being taken to the hospital, contributing to the event’s ongoing turmoil.

Leadership Shifts and Inclusivity

The Miss Universe Organization has undergone major leadership changes recently, with Thai transgender media personality Anne Jakrajutatip stepping down just before the competition, succeeded by Guatemalan diplomat Mario Bucaro. Jakrajutatip had ushered in significant inclusivity reforms, allowing transgender women, married women, and mothers to compete, alongside the removal of age restrictions.

Observers note that the divided leadership between Thai and Mexican factions has led to confusion among fans and participants, impacting the brand's reputation.

The Road Ahead for Miss Universe

Despite declining viewership numbers, social media platforms have helped transform former titleholders into significant influencers. The Thai side of the competition aims to generate revenue through live merchandise, while Latin American viewers continue to cherish contestants as beloved TV personalities.

Amidst these troubles, past Miss Universe titleholders highlight the pageant's commitment to uplift women, emphasizing that its real value lies in its unwavering support for contestants.

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