Miss Universe 2025: A Year Marred by Scandal and Controversy

Miss Universe President Raul Rocha

Miss Universe 2025: A Year Marred by Scandal and Controversy

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.Com | November 28, 2025

BANGKOK, Thailand – The 74th Miss Universe pageant, held this year, has been plagued by scandals, raising questions about the integrity and future of the organization.

From pre-coronation walkouts and allegations of rigging to a winning queen’s resignation and a president facing criminal charges, 2025 has been nothing short of disastrous for the once-revered beauty pageant.

Criminal Allegations Against President Rock the Organization

The most explosive development is the reported indictment of Miss Universe President Raul Rocha on charges of drug, arms, and fuel trafficking.

According to the Mexican newspaper “Reforma,” Rocha is considered by Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR) to be an alleged leader of a criminal organization operating between Guatemala and Mexico.

The report claims the organization smuggles fuel via the Usumacinta River and transports it by truck to Querétaro, Mexico.

Reforma further alleges that Yazmín Mayoral Marín, an agent in Mexico’s Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime, requested an arrest warrant for Rocha on Aug. 6, citing his alleged involvement in drug and firearm trafficking.

The FGR reportedly raided several residences and obtained records of monetary contributions from Rocha to the criminal organization, including one payment of 2.1 million Mexican pesos.

The arrest warrant, obtained by Reforma, claims Rocha’s organization has “connections with politicians and authorities at all three levels of government to deliberately carry out their mission, which includes the sale of hydrocarbons, narcotics, and the trafficking and sale of large quantities of weapons of war.”

Rocha reportedly approached the FGR in October seeking a plea bargain and offering information in exchange for immunity from prosecution.

He has yet to publicly respond to these allegations.

A Pageant Shrouded in Controversy:

These criminal allegations are the latest in a string of controversies that have plagued the 2025 Miss Universe pageant.

The competition was marred by:

Pre-Coronation Walkouts:

• Unspecified issues led to contestants withdrawing from the pageant before the final event, raising concerns about the organization’s internal practices.

Allegations of Rigging:

• Whispers of a fixed competition circulated after the coronation, fueled by perceived inconsistencies in the judging process.

Winner’s Resignation:

• In an unprecedented move, Miss Universe 2025 Fátima Bosch of Mexico resigned from her title shortly after winning, citing personal reasons.

However, speculation remains that her decision was linked to the controversies surrounding the pageant.

Online Hate Targeted at the Winner:

• Bosch faced a barrage of online hate following her win, forcing her to address the negativity on social media.

Philippine Bet Shines Amid Turmoil:

Amid the chaos, Philippine representative Ahtisa Manalo garnered praise for her grace and poise, ultimately securing the 3rd runner-up position.

Future of Miss Universe in Question

Rocha had previously expressed his frustration with the pageant and reportedly considered selling the organization.

With these latest allegations, the future of Miss Universe hangs in the balance, leaving many to wonder if the brand can recover from this year’s devastating scandals.

The allegations against Rocha raise serious questions about the vetting process for leadership within the organization and the potential for criminal activity to infiltrate the highest levels of the pageant world.

The events of Miss Universe 2025 serve as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct within organizations that hold significant cultural influence.