Behind the Curtain: The Tumultuous World of Miss Universe

The air was thick with tension. Voices were raised, urging fellow contestants to abandon their seats, while others sobbed silently, clad in gowns fit for the red carpet. In the midst of this, Andromeda Peters stood resolute.

Peters, a professional therapist since 2017, felt drawn to assist. She advised the women to feel their backrests and roots on the ground, some in towering heels, before guiding them through a calming breathing sequence: Inhale for four seconds, pause, and release slowly.

This was only the inaugural day of the Miss Universe event.

"It was chaos," admitted Peters, representing Ghana in the 2025 pageant, when recalling the emotional turmoil around her. "I almost left, but seeing the sorrow around me made me stay. I needed to help ground my pageant sisters."

Turbulence hit when the pageant director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, unleashed his frustration on Mexico's Fátima Bosch, a moment streamed widely. It spiraled into what many later dubbed the most disorderly pageant in its history. Bosch's eventual triumph on November 21 left many contestants questioning their own shot at victory.

Post-event conversations with Business Insider uncovered contestants decrying the competition's demanding conditions, perceived biases, erratic rule changes, and a volatile judging process. The pledge of empowering women seemed to unravel before a global audience.

Many now call for a profound overhaul of Miss Universe's leadership to restore credibility.

"I could offer a diplomatic response, but the truth is clear: A complete gutting of leadership is needed," stated Haiti's Melissa Sapini.

The governing body of Miss Universe has yet to address numerous appeals for comment.

The Journey Begins Under a Cloud

As November drew near, 120 women embarked on their voyage to Thailand, anticipating a month of activities in Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya.

For many, the Miss Universe stage was the culmination of lifelong aspirations. Some were veterans, shelves adorned with glittering trophies, while others ventured into this realm for the first time. Canada’s Jaime VandenBerg felt uneasy with certain event aspects, equating one activity to an unwanted spectacle.

Though some delegates eagerly promoted this highly publicized meal with the pageant's director, reservations lingered. They feared that the event might sway the competition's outcomes, and the planned dinner faced cancellation due to its perceived impropriety.

Addressing Mounting Tensions

Heightened tensions marked the first official day when a dispute erupted between Itsaragrisil and Bosch over sponsorship obligations. Women gathered to receive their ceremonial sashes, but the celebratory mood turned sour as anxieties peaked. Many refrained from movement, fearing unwanted attention.

Bosch stood her ground vehemently against perceived disrespect, leading to her ejection. This prompted a significant exodus of those supporting her, even as they faced verbal reprisal and online antagonism.

Challenging Conditions

Appearances can be deceiving when observing a Miss Universe event. Behind the glimmer, contestants endure hectic schedules and high expectations.

Participants engaged in late-night plane journeys and stringent schedules daily, meeting media obligations while presenting an impeccable image without professional styling help.

Ill-health struck frequently amidst the rigor, with some enduring hospital visits yet still managing to compete. The absence of chaperones posed additional safety and logistic challenges as the contestants navigated press-heavy environments.

A Distorted Playing Field

Favoritism accusations surfaced, hinting at a skewed playing field influenced by participants' social media presence and sponsorship engagements. Countries known for their strong pageant followings, often referred to as possessing high 'sash factor,' seemed to have distinct advantages.

Such favoritism ran counter to the pageant's proclaimed fair practices, causing emotional distress and perceptions of unfair practices during the competition.

Transparency Under Scrutiny

With the conclusion of the event looming, confusion about judges and scoring transparency came into sharp focus. Last-minute changes and conflicting information about voting processes heightened suspicion and mistrust amongst contestants and followers alike.

Amidst the turmoil, the unfortunate accident during a gown rehearsal heightened the prevailing unease, casting a shadow over the proceedings.

A Controversial Outcome

As Bosch was announced the winner, a wave of dissent swept through attendees and the online community alike. Allegations of favoritism and procedural irregularities marred the celebration, with some judges expressing dissatisfaction with non-transparent practices.

Rumors about backstage dealings persisted, alongside narratives questioning the suitability of candidates based on nationality constraints.

Leadership Turmoil

Amidst legal challenges and calls for a strategic overhaul, Miss Universe's leadership faces a critical juncture. Stakeholders and participants voice hopes for future reforms that promise transparency and renewed integrity in the prestigious pageant.

Sources within the organization remain hopeful for transformation, urging prospective leaders to embrace policies restoring trust and continuity.