The 74th Miss Universe competition concluded on November 21, 2025, in Nonthaburi, Thailand, with Fátima Bosch of Mexico crowned as the winner. However, the victory was met with a wave of controversy, as the audience audibly booed the announcement. Videos circulating on social media captured the disgruntled reaction of the crowd, with many chanting "cooking show," a slang term implying the results were predetermined. The incident has ignited a debate about the fairness and transparency of the competition.
Adding fuel to the fire, Omar Harfouch, a former judge who resigned just days before the final, has publicly alleged that the results were fraudulent. Harfouch, a Lebanese-French musician and political activist, claimed in an Instagram post that Bosch's win was a "fake," asserting that he knew the outcome a full day before the final show. He further alleged that the top 30 candidates were "pre-selected" by an "impromptu jury" operating outside the official panel, with potential conflicts of interest due to personal relationships with some contestants. Harfouch stated he raised his concerns with Miss Universe Organization (MUO) President Raúl Rocha Cantú but found the exchange unsatisfactory.
The MUO has vehemently denied Harfouch's allegations, stating that all evaluations followed established and transparent protocols. They refuted the existence of any "impromptu jury" or external influence in the selection process. Rocha Cantú even presented text message evidence suggesting he removed Harfouch from the judging panel, blaming him for disrupting the "Beyond The Crown" project, a philanthropic initiative associated with the event.
Despite the MUO's denials, Harfouch has stood by his claims, suggesting that the organization's response acknowledges the existence of a "secret entity" involved in the selection process. He alleges that MUO co-owner Rocha has business ties with Bosch's father, implying a conflict of interest. Harfouch has also indicated that he is pursuing legal counsel and plans to release further evidence in an HBO documentary scheduled for May 2026.
Bosch's victory was controversial even before the Miss Universe competition. During the Miss Universe Mexico 2025 final, most of her fellow contestants walked off stage after her crowning, reportedly due to concerns about the transparency of the results. Furthermore, Bosch was involved in a public clash with Nawat Itsaragrisil, the director of the Miss Universe Thailand pageant, who allegedly reprimanded her for not posting enough promotional content. The incident led to Bosch and other contestants walking out of a pre-pageant event.
The controversies surrounding the Miss Universe 2025 competition have sparked widespread debate on social media. While some defend Bosch's win and celebrate Mexico's fourth Miss Universe crown, others criticize the results and question the integrity of the pageant. The incident has raised concerns about fairness, judging criteria, and the treatment of contestants behind the scenes, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability within the Miss Universe Organization.
