The Miss Universe Institution is facing an escalating crisis involving allegations of fraud, serious contestant injuries, and financial troubles for its co-owners. What began as a decades-long tradition of international competition has quickly devolved into a series of public accusations and legal threats following the recent pageant in Thailand [[1]]. Multiple contestants and judges have come forward with claims of a rigged competition, while the organization’s leadership is simultaneously confronting separate legal and financial challenges-including an arrest warrant for co-owner Anne Jakrajutatip and the involvement of co-owner Raúl Rocha Cantú in a witness protection program.
The world of beauty pageants is no stranger to controversy, but Miss Universe is currently facing a storm of scandals that threaten to unravel the iconic competition. What began as a showcase for swimwear in 1952 has evolved into a global event, but recent events have sparked accusations of fraud, resignations, and even legal threats.
The current crisis escalated during the recent competition in Thailand, with issues surfacing before the final ceremony even began. The drama initially centered around Nawat Itsaragrisil, the Thai director and president of Miss Grand International, who publicly insulted Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, for refusing to participate in a promotional activity.
Early Warning Signs
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The incident quickly drew widespread condemnation, including statements from high-profile figures like the President of Mexico and UN Women, and prompted several contestants to stage a walkout in solidarity with Bosch.
Adding to the turmoil, Miss Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, suffered a serious fall on November 19 during the preliminary swimsuit competition. She lost her balance while walking along the edge of the stage and sustained a traumatic brain injury, cuts to her chin, and a foot injury, ultimately requiring treatment in intensive care.
Further fueling the unrest, two judges – Franco-Lebanese pianist Omar Harfouch and former French soccer star Claude Makélélé – resigned shortly before the final event.
Fátima Bosch of Mexico ultimately won the crown, a result initially seen as “poetic justice” given the earlier incident with Itsaragrisil. However, the victory was quickly overshadowed by allegations of foul play. Harfouch publicly accused the organization of a “secret” pre-selection process for the Top 30, claiming the entire competition was rigged.
Harfouch even threatened to pursue legal action over the alleged fraud, and is now planning a documentary detailing his claims.
Contestants Speak Out
Several former contestants have begun to voice their concerns and criticize the organizers.
Miss Norway, Leonora Lysglimt-Rødland, claimed on social media that the Top 10 had already been chosen two weeks prior to the competition.
Miss Côte d’Ivoire, Olivia Yacé, one of the frontrunners, resigned from her title as Miss Africa and Oceania Universe 2025 after losing in the Miss Universe competition. Her resignation followed comments from Raúl Rocha Cantú, the Mexican businessman who owns 50% of Miss Universe, who suggested her passport was a disadvantage.
Yacé’s need for a visa to travel to many countries was interpreted by Miss Guadeloupe, Ophély Mézino, and other contestants as a racist remark and a form of exclusion based on nationality and mobility.
Miss Estonia, Brigitta Schaback, also relinquished her title, citing her disappointment with the organization’s management and “lack of ethics.”
A Mexican Stake
Rocha has denied the fraud accusations and announced plans to take legal action against media outlets publishing what he considers defamatory information.
He also addressed reports concerning his alleged connection to Pemex, the Mexican state oil company, and his connection to Fátima Bosch’s father, who works there. Rocha maintains he acquired his 50% stake in Miss Universe in January 2024, nearly a year after the contract with Pemex was signed.
However, Rocha has recently entered a witness protection program in connection with investigations into serious crimes, including organized crime related to arms trafficking and illegal hydrocarbon trafficking. While the investigation is unrelated to Miss Universe, it casts a shadow over the organization.
Financial Troubles for Anne Jakrajutatip
Adding to the chaos, Anne Jakrajutatip, a Thai transgender businesswoman and co-owner of Miss Universe, is facing an arrest warrant in Thailand over allegations of corporate fraud related to her company, JKN, which has entered bankruptcy.
The situation has spiraled into a major crisis for Miss Universe and its owners, who appear to have underestimated the potential for these issues to arise.
A key turning point came in 2023 when Jakrajutatip’s company, JKN, sold a 50% stake in Miss Universe to Rocha’s Legacy Holding Group USA, transforming the competition into a co-owned entity. This sale was largely driven by the financial difficulties within Jakrajutatip’s media conglomerate, ultimately leading to the recent arrest warrant against her, a woman who envisioned and championed a more inclusive Miss Universe that would unite the world – and now finds herself at the center of a major scandal.
