Context:

The 74th Miss Universe pageant is set to take place in Thailand, featuring contestants from 136 nations under the theme "The Power of Love." However, recent controversies have marred the event, including unexpected leadership changes and withdrawals from key judges following allegations of conflicts of interest and a controversial judging process. Tensions escalated with an incident involving Miss Mexico, where executive Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly chastised her, leading to multiple contestants walking out in solidarity. In light of these challenges, the Miss Universe Organization has appointed new judges and aims to uphold its values of respect and inclusivity as the event approaches.

Dive Deeper:

• The pageant will occur at the Impact Challenger Hall in Bangkok, Thailand, with the main event scheduled for 8 a.m. local time on November 21, 2025, corresponding to 8 p.m. ET on November 20 for U.S. viewers.

• Hosting the English-language broadcast will be comedian Steve Byrne and former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres, while the Spanish-language broadcast will feature hosts like Carlos Adyan and Danilo Carrera.

• Controversy erupted when judge Omar Harfouch resigned, citing confusion over an 'impromptu jury' formed to select finalists, which he claimed had potential conflicts of interest involving contestants.

• The fallout included the resignation of judge Claude Makélélé and Princess Camilla di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, the president of the selection committee, prompting the Miss Universe Organization to appoint new judges.

• An incident on November 4 involved executive Nawat Itsaragrisil confronting Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, accusing her of refusing to participate in a photo shoot, leading to her and other contestants walking out in protest.

• In response to the controversies, Miss Universe President Raul Rocha Cantu expressed support for the contestants and emphasized the importance of respect and dignity toward women.