The Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Bangkok ended with Mexico’s Fátima Bosch taking the crown, but the win came after a week marked by walkouts, judging disputes, accidents and national controversies involving several contestants, including Bangladesh’s Tangia Zaman Methila.
The main scandal broke during a live-streamed pre-pageant meeting. Nawat Itsaragrisil, the Miss Universe Thailand director, publicly reprimanded Miss Mexico for not posting enough promotional content. The video went viral on social media and instantly sparked controversy.
He told Bosch, “If you listen to your director, you’re a dumbhead.” When Bosch tried to defend herself, Nawat called security and asked them to remove her.
The confrontation triggered a walkout. Delegates from the Philippines, Iraq, Palestine, Costa Rica and several other countries left the room in solidarity including Miss Universe 2024, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark. The reigning Miss Universe also stepped out in support. Viewers praised the walkout as a rare moment of unity and “women’s empowerment”.
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has released a statement which condemned Nawat’s behaviour. It restricted his role in future events. He later apologised.
The fallout spread to the judging panel. Two judges, including Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch, resigned before the final show. Harfouch alleged that an unofficial “secret jury” had already influenced the outcome and pointed to a conflict of interest involving a public relationship between a judge and Miss Paraguay. MUO denied all claims.
Other incidents added to the tense atmosphere. Miss Jamaica and Miss Britain fell during preliminary events. Miss Jamaica was briefly hospitalised.
Bangladesh’s contestant, Tangia Zaman Methila, faced a separate wave of controversy at home. A past allegation resurfaced about her filming a man in a bathroom without his consent. She had previously described it as a “prank”. The issue reignited debate about her suitability as a national representative.
She also received criticism for wearing revealing outfits, such as a bikini, with some arguing that it did not reflect Bangladeshi cultural norms. Supporters defended her, praising her resilience and highlighting her national costume, a handwoven white Jamdani saree.
The final night moved ahead despite the disputes. Bosch won the crown. Thailand finished as first runner-up. The Philippines placed in the top five, marking strong Asian representation.
The Bangkok event featured more than glamour. It became a contest shaped by solidarity, public scrutiny and questions about fairness—leaving the organisation under pressure to restore trust ahead of next year’s edition.
