The 74th Miss Universe competition was plagued by a series of controversies, including vote rigging allegations, judge resignations, contestant walkouts, stage falls, and political tensions, before Miss Mexico was surprisingly crowned the winner.
The 74th Miss Universe competition was embroiled in significant turmoil, forcing organizers into damage control over a myriad of scandals. Allegations of vote rigging surfaced, leading to the resignation of judge Omar Harfouch, who claimed a 'secret vote' pre-selected finalists, a claim the organization dismissed as 'inaccuracies' and 'confusion.' Another judge, Claude Makelele, also quit. Earlier, Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, dramatically walked out after alleging the Thai director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, publicly insulted her, drawing support from the reigning Miss Universe and the Mexican president, which prompted a tearful apology from Nawat. The event also witnessed physical mishaps, with Miss Jamaica hospitalized after a stage fall and Miss Great Britain tripping. Political and cultural controversies emerged as Miss Palestine wore a gown featuring the Dome of the Rock, Miss Israel reported death threats, and the Miss Teen Cambodia winner used her platform to accuse Thailand of border clashes. Furthermore, the Chilean Miss Universe apologized for mimicking drug use in a social media video. Despite the weeks of chaos and dramatic incidents, Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, ultimately triumphed, being crowned the 74th Miss Universe, overcoming her turbulent start to the competition.
