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Miss Universe 2025 Sparks Controversy Amidst 120 Contestants

11/22/2025

Center

Miss Universe Begins

The 74th Miss Universe pageant began on November 19, 2025, in Thailand, with 120 contestants.
Preliminaries will determine 30 semi-finalists for the final on November 21, 2025.
A controversy has emerged over five contestants with U.S. ties, raising questions about nationality rules and fairness.
The pageant aims to celebrate diversity, with hosts emphasizing female empowerment.
In the United States, the event will be streamed on Peacock and Telemundo.

Right

Nadeen Ayoub Shines

Nadeen Ayoub, the first Miss Palestine, reached Miss Universe top 30 before being eliminated after the swimsuit round.
Her participation drew attention due to her marriage to Sharaf Barghouti, son of a convicted terrorist.
Despite the controversy, Ayoub scored higher than more than 90 contestants.
The final list includes Mexico, the Philippines, and Venezuela, with a winner soon.
The pageant continues amid discussions about nationality rules and fairness.

Left

Judges Resign Amid Controversy

Two judges resigned from the Miss Universe 2025 panel days before the event in Thailand.
Omar Harfouch, a Miss Universe 2025 panel judge, accused the organization of using an unofficial jury.
His resignation followed protests over the treatment of Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, by Nawat Itsaragrisil.
The Miss Universe Organization denied the allegations and the pageant continues, with the final gala scheduled for November 20, 2025.

History

Historical Context

The 1970 Miss Universe pageant in Miami sparked protests over racial discrimination, with only 15 of 63 contestants being women of color. This highlighted the Miss Universe Organization's ongoing struggle for inclusivity. The event's controversies resonate today, as debates about nationality rules and fairness continue, reflecting a historical tension between traditional beauty standards and evolving ideals of diversity and representation.

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Miss Universe Begins

The 74th Miss Universe pageant began on November 19, 2025, in Thailand, with 120 contestants.
Preliminaries will determine 30 semi-finalists for the final on November 21, 2025.
A controversy has emerged over five contestants with U.S. ties, raising questions about nationality rules and fairness.
The pageant aims to celebrate diversity, with hosts emphasizing female empowerment.
In the United States, the event will be streamed on Peacock and Telemundo.

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