The Miss Universe pageant has once again found itself at the center of intense global discussion, as former contestants and beauty queens openly question its leadership, transparency, and overall direction. Once widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and influential beauty competitions in the world, the pageant is now facing growing scrutiny that has sparked debates across international media, social platforms, and within the pageant community itself.
The renewed attention followed candid remarks made on the Almost Honest Podcast, hosted by Kylie Verzosa, Miss International 2016. The episode featured Michelle Dee, who represented the Philippines at Miss Universe 2023. During their discussion, both women shared deep concerns about how Miss Universe is currently being managed and whether it is living up to the values and standards that once defined its global reputation.
Kylie Verzosa did not hide her dissatisfaction with the current leadership structure of the pageant. She openly expressed doubts about whether Miss Universe is in capable hands, specifically referencing Nawat Itsaragrisil, a key figure involved in the organization and the president of Miss Grand International. According to Verzosa, the Miss Universe brand deserves leadership that prioritizes integrity, professionalism, and long-term vision.
She stated that, in her personal view, she does not feel confident in Nawat’s role within Miss Universe, arguing that the pageant requires stronger and more credible leadership to protect its legacy. Her comments resonated widely, especially among pageant followers who have been closely observing the changes within the organization over recent years.
Although Nawat Itsaragrisil plays a visible leadership role, Miss Universe is officially owned by Raúl Rocha. Rocha himself has been the subject of controversy following legal challenges that emerged after the Miss Universe 2025 competition. In December 2025, reports indicated that Rocha admitted before Mexican prosecutors to involvement in the illegal trafficking of fuel from Guatemala into Mexico. He has also faced allegations connected to drug and arms trafficking, further intensifying concerns about the credibility of the pageant’s leadership.
Michelle Dee echoed similar frustrations, expressing sadness over how the competition has evolved compared to the Miss Universe she admired growing up. She explained that longtime followers of the pageant naturally develop expectations rooted in fairness, excellence, and transparency. Seeing strong, deserving contestants overlooked has been particularly disheartening for her.
According to Dee, it becomes difficult to justify sending talented, hardworking women into a system that appears flawed or biased. She emphasized that when contestants perform exceptionally well but fail to receive fair recognition, it raises serious questions about how results are determined and whether merit truly matters.
One of the most troubling issues discussed was the persistent lack of transparency. Rumors have circulated claiming that as many as 30 contestants are pre-selected before the competition even begins. While the Miss Universe Organization has firmly denied these allegations, the rumors continue to damage public trust and fuel skepticism among fans and participants alike.
During the podcast, the conversation also touched on reports suggesting that Filipino politician and businessman Chavit Singson could potentially acquire ownership of Miss Universe. Michelle Dee stated that she would support such a move only if the pageant were placed in the hands of individuals who respect its history, values, and global influence. For many observers, ownership changes represent either a risk or an opportunity to reset the organization’s direction.
In response to the growing criticism, the Miss Universe Organization released an official statement online, dismissing claims about leadership changes as false. The organization insisted that its management remains stable and warned that it would pursue legal action against individuals spreading what it described as misleading information. Despite this response, public debate has continued, suggesting that official denials alone may not be enough to restore confidence.
Miss Universe has also remained in the headlines following a public dispute in November 2025 in Thailand involving Nawat Itsaragrisil and Fátima Bosch, who was crowned Miss Universe 2025. The disagreement attracted widespread attention and further highlighted internal tensions that many believe reflect deeper governance problems within the organization.
These controversies have raised serious questions about the future of Miss Universe, a competition with more than 75 years of history. For decades, the pageant symbolized global unity, empowerment, and cultural exchange. Today, however, many are asking whether it can adapt and reform without losing its identity.
Adding to the growing concerns is a wave of high-profile resignations from national titleholders associated with the Miss Universe system. Helena Hafþórsdóttir O’Connor, who represented Iceland in Miss Universe 2025, recently stepped down from her title and returned her Miss Universe Iceland crown. Her resignation followed similar decisions by other contestants who cited value misalignment and dissatisfaction with the organization.
On November 24, Olivia Yacé, a top five finalist at Miss Universe 2025, resigned from her role as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania. She publicly stated that her personal values no longer aligned with those of the pageant. Before her, Brigitta Schaback stepped down as Miss Universe Estonia, citing fundamental differences between her principles and those of the national organizers.
These departures have intensified global conversations about ethics, transparency, and the responsibility of international platforms toward the women who represent them. For many observers, the resignations are not isolated incidents but signs of a deeper structural issue that requires urgent attention.
As Miss Universe continues to face criticism from former contestants, industry insiders, and fans, its future direction remains uncertain. Whether through leadership reform, improved transparency, or renewed commitment to fairness, many believe meaningful change is necessary to protect the legacy of one of the world’s most iconic beauty pageants.
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