Miss Universe 2025: A Pageant Marred by Withdrawals, Shifting Sands

Ahtisa Manalo, Miss Universe Philippines, radiates confidence as she prepares for the 74th Miss Universe competition on November 21 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Miss Universe 2025: A Pageant Marred by Withdrawals, Shifting Sands

By Bing Jabadan – TheNationWeek.Com | November 12, 2025

BANGKOK, Thailand – The glitter of the Miss Universe 2025 pageant, unfolding in Thailand, is struggling to outshine a series of unprecedented withdrawals and controversies that have shaken the competition.

As 122 contestants vie for the crown currently held by Miss Universe 2024, Victoria Kjær Theilvig, the pageant is grappling with challenges that expose the increasing pressures and complex realities faced by modern beauty queens.

Unprecedented Withdrawals Cast Shadow Over Competition:

This year’s event is marked by a significant number of nations absent, each withdrawal a poignant story in itself:

Miss Germany Prioritizes Family:

Diana Fast’s decision to relinquish her title to focus on family and build a home for her son has been lauded for its genuine compassion.

In a remarkable gesture, the Miss Germany organization further demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility by donating over $34,000 to HeartPawject, a Thai animal rescue organization.

Miss Universe Persia Stands in Solidarity:

Sahar Biniaz’s withdrawal in support of her national director, Golshan Barazesh, reportedly detained in Iran, has resonated throughout the pageant world.

This act of solidarity underscores the intersection of beauty pageants with complex geopolitical issues, highlighting the courage of contestants willing to take a stand.

Biniaz’s withdrawal follows a previous setback; she also pulled out of the 2012 competition due to injury.

Niger’s Historic Hope Dashed:

Zoulahatou Amadou’s dream of becoming Niger’s first-ever Miss Universe contestant was tragically thwarted by logistical hurdles, preventing her from reaching Thailand.

Recognizing the historical significance of her participation, organizers have extended an invitation for her to compete in the 2026 edition.

Age Controversy Forces Miss China’s Resignation:

Xuhe Hou’s resignation amid accusations of age restriction violations has ignited debate among pageant enthusiasts, highlighting the evolving and often contentious standards within the industry.

She has been replaced by first runner-up Zhao Na.

Political Strife Impacts Democratic Republic of Congo:

Déborah Djema’s dismissal after refusing to sign her contract, coupled with the unavailability of runners-up, resulted in the last-minute appointment of Dorcas Dienda Kasinde as the country’s representative.

This reveals the internal conflicts and organizational challenges that can plague national competitions.

A Symptom of Deeper Issues?

This surge in withdrawals, coupled with other recent incidents, raises critical questions about the pressures facing contestants today.

Are they subjected to increasingly intense scrutiny? Have the demands of the competition become unsustainable?

These are vital issues the Miss Universe Organization must address as it navigates the evolving landscape of beauty, empowerment, and social responsibility.

Despite these significant challenges, the Miss Universe 2025 pageant continues, promising a celebration of diversity and ambition.

However, the stories of those who have withdrawn serve as a stark reminder that the path to the crown is often fraught with obstacles, where personal circumstances, political realities, and evolving standards play a significant role in shaping the outcome.

Other Nations Opting Out:

Bahrain, Cameroon, Cyprus, Eritrea, Fiji, Gibraltar, Kenya, the Maldives, Mongolia, Montenegro, Samoa, Somalia, and Uzbekistan will also be absent from this year’s competition, further underscoring the unprecedented challenges facing the Miss Universe Organization.