EPISODE · Nov 20, 2025 · 12 MIN
The drama at this year’s Miss Universe
from What in the World · host BBC World Service
Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch has been crowned Miss Universe at a ceremony in Bangkok, marking the end of an exceptionally scandal-filled pageant season. It's the 74th Miss Universe pageant and there was a lot of drama before a single contestant took to the stage.Early in November, Miss Mexico walked out of an event after she was told off by a Thai official and those who supported her were threatened with disqualification. Then in the days before the final, some judges resigned, one over claims the competition is rigged - which is of course denied by the Miss Universe Organisation.Social media has shown some of the drama behind the scenes… and at the centre of it is two of the men running the pageant. Nawat Itsaragrisil and Raúl Rocha Cantú have very different visions for the future of the pageant, which has been dealing with declining ratings and financial issues.William Lee Adams, host of Marketplace Morning Report, takes us through what’s been going on behind the scenes, everything from finances to clashes over how it should be run.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Benita Barden, Chelsea Coates and Emily Horler Video producer: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde
What this episode covers
Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch has been crowned Miss Universe at a ceremony in Bangkok, marking the end of an exceptionally scandal-filled pageant season. It's the 74th Miss Universe pageant and there was a lot of drama before a single contestant took to the stage.Early in November, Miss Mexico walked out of an event after she was told off by a Thai official and those who supported her were threatened with disqualification. Then in the days before the final, some judges resigned, one over claims the competition is rigged - which is of course denied by the Miss Universe Organisation.Social media has shown some of the drama behind the scenes… and at the centre of it is two of the men running the pageant. Nawat Itsaragrisil and Raúl Rocha Cantú have very different visions for the future of the pageant, which has been dealing with declining ratings and financial issues.William Lee Adams, host of Marketplace Morning Report, takes us through what’s been going on behind the scenes, everything from finances to clashes over how it should be run.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Benita Barden, Chelsea Coates and Emily Horler Video producer: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde
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The drama at this year’s Miss Universe
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