Crisis at the crown unfolding fast

Miss Universe pageant faces allegations, walkouts and ICU scare

The Miss Universe 2025 pageant, long promoted as a celebration of beauty, ambition and global unity, is now mired in a storm of allegations, walkouts and spiralling backlash, culminating in Miss Mexico's victory being publicly labelled a fake result while Miss Jamaica remains in intensive care after a devastating fall.

The uproar intensified when Omar Harfouch, a judge at this year's competition, released a bluntly worded denunciation on his Instagram account, declaring that Miss Mexico was a "fake winner" and insisting he had predicted the result a full day before the final.

Harfouch claimed he was pushed to support Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, by Miss Universe owner Raul Rocha, who he alleged met him in Dubai alongside his son a week before the final. In the Instagram post's caption, he insisted the pair urged him to vote for Bosch because "it will be good for our business", adding that he would reveal further details in May, 2026.

His post, shared with the hashtag combination of #fatimabosh, #raulrocha and #missmexico, circulated widely within hours, accompanied by a screengrab that added fuel to simmering questions about transparency.

The claim directly echoed ongoing concerns already highlighted in Business Insider reporting on November 20, which noted the pageant had been plagued by repeated scandals even before this latest accusation surfaced.

Business Insider's coverage detailed how contestants walked out after a Miss Universe director was filmed appearing to call Miss Mexico a "dumbhead", a moment that began trending almost instantly on social media.

The same report stated that one judge had dropped out before the final and described a series of earlier controversies involving racist remarks, heavy criticism of leadership behaviour and growing frustration among participants.

Those concerns were compounded by an unsettling incident on stage when Miss Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, fell from the runway during the preliminary evening gown segment in Thailand. The accident, witnessed in real time by viewers, resulted in immediate medical intervention and triggered a wave of sympathy and shock across digital platforms.

Miss Jamaica later confirmed that 28-year-old Gabrielle remained in intensive care at Paolo Rangsit Hospital, explaining that despite receiving detailed medical attention, her recovery was unfolding far more slowly than doctors anticipated.

Her sister, Dr Phylicia Henry Samuels, travelled with family members to be at her bedside and said she was not improving at the pace specialists had hoped. Supporters circulated encouraging messages and earlier clips of the contestant, noting her presence, confidence and promise before the fall forced her withdrawal.

Witnesses recalled that Henry appeared composed as she crossed the runway in a sparkling orange gown and heels before misjudging a step and slipping entirely off the edge. Initial examinations ruled out life-threatening injuries but identified complications that required prolonged observation.

Growing unease surrounding contestant wellbeing contributed to broader questions about what Business Insider described as a chain of scandals. The outlet's report referenced racist comments from a former winner, a filmed confrontation involving a Miss Universe director shouting at a contestant, and last year's controversy over former CEO Anne Jakrajutatip's conduct during an Instagram Live session in which she appeared to mock participants' photographs.

With the event's leadership already under pressure, Harfouch's public statement has pushed the atmosphere deeper into crisis. His claim that the final result was predetermined directly contradicts the pageant's insistence on its judging panel's autonomy and fairness, and it triggered further scrutiny of internal relationships, voting processes and corporate influence.

Harfouch stated in his post that all evidence relating to the matter would be presented on HBO in May 2026, a timeline that ensures the dispute will continue overshadowing the brand for months. While Miss Universe has yet to issue a detailed response addressing his claim, his decision to name Rocha and frame the issue as a business-motivated manoeuvre generated immediate reaction from fans already deeply frustrated by this year's controversies.

That frustration had been summarised earlier by Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt, who posted an Instagram statement on November 7 reflecting on what she described as "drama in the pageant world" weighing heavily on many. Her comments, referenced by Business Insider, suggested a growing weariness among both contestants and supporters, and her warning now appears prescient as events spiral further.

Contestants themselves are meanwhile navigating the fallout from earlier incidents, including the walkout triggered by a Miss Universe director's behaviour and a separate apology from Miss Chile after posting a TikTok clip showing her pretending to snort powder. While each controversy unfolded separately, the combined effect has led observers to question the pageant's management culture and risk tolerance.

The leadership restructuring has not eased the situation, with another judge reportedly resigning amid concerns about fairness. Harfouch's denunciation has escalated those fears dramatically, leaving viewers unsure whether the final's outcome reflected genuine competition or alleged corporate interests.

In the face of mounting criticism, the brand's international credibility is under strain. Public reactions across Instagram and other platforms reflect sharp divides, with some users defending Bosch's win while others demand an independent review. The absence of detailed clarification from organisers has allowed speculation to spread widely, intensifying mistrust.

As much of the world waits for official updates, the most immediate concern remains the health of Gabrielle Henry, whose medical team continues monitoring her condition daily. Her supporters, including former contestants, have urged the pageant industry to rethink expectations placed on women performing under intense pressure while wearing heavy gowns and high heels on elevated platforms. The future trajectory of Miss Universe now appears heavily weighted towards crisis management. With a judge publicly alleging vote manipulation, contestants expressing fear and exhaustion, and one participant in intensive care, the brand faces a reckoning that many argue can no longer be delayed. Whether it responds transparently or continues deflecting criticism may determine the legacy of its most turbulent year yet.