'I don't like injustice': More candidates speak out on controversies surrounding Miss Universe 2025
Several candidates have spoken up on the controversies surrounding the recently concluded Miss Universe 2025.
The pageant, held on Nov. 21 in Thailand, crowned Mexico's Fatima Bosch. A judge, who reportedly resigned two days before coronation day, later claimed that her win was pre-determined as Miss Universe president Raúl Rocha allegedly had business with the beauty queen's father. Rocha has refuted the allegations.
Firstly, Miss Guadeloupe Ophély Mézino spoke up against Rocha’s remarks in a Nov. 25 interview that implied visa restrictions on Côte d’Ivoire passport holders kept Olivia Yacé from winning.
"Did you steal money from my Afro-Caribbean girls? Did you let them compete knowing they would never win this competition? Did you let them participate just to speak about diversity and inclusion?" Mézino said in her statement shared on Instagram stories.
"Are you trying to find a racist excuse for the fact that you didn't choose someone who was qualified for the job?" she argued.
Mézino said she doesn't typically speak online, but is standing up on the issue despite not being affected by it.
"My heart is burning. I don't like injustice," she continued. "You steal the hopes of millions who don't understand why they are not in the Top 30/12/5," she said, hinting at alleged rigging.
On the other hand, Miss Portugal Camila Vitorino spoke about how her response to the question-and-answer portion was not given enough credit in the competition.
"Within the theme presented to me, I believe the interview went well, as I was able to clearly articulate the profound values that marriage and motherhood have brought into my life—values that I carry with pride," she said.
She also recounted an alleged conversation between the Miss Universe Organization and the contestants, where it was said the reigning queen must have no boyfriend and that she is to be "married" to the pageant as a project. From there, she knew her Miss Universe journey "had come to an end."
"My heart raced. I froze. I looked around, hoping I misunderstood. Several contestants, married or in relationships, were visibly hurt. Yet still, I chose faith," she said. "Marriage taught me true commitment—to another person, to a purpose, to an organization. Motherhood taught me resilience and gave me real meaning to my goals."
"At this point, I no longer feel represented by the principles that the Miss Universe Organization had chosen to uphold," she added. "I find it deeply unfair to place blame on the behavior of 120 candidates who endured 20 days of uncertainty, pressure, and at times, fear."
Miss Turks and Cacos Bereniece Dickenson Martinez also spoke about feeling unfairly judged in the contest.
"I was sure that the fruits of my hard work would be met with fairness and celebration. Instead, they were met with heartbreak—not only mine, but the heartbreak of many extraordinary women who gave their all to be there that night," she said
She also thanked the international support her country received during her candidacy. "Sometimes the world acknowledges your effort even when the judges do not. And sometimes the purpose reveals itself not through the result you hope for, but through the people who saw your truth."
Furthermore, Martinez remarked on the Ivory Coast's visa issue. "Every contestant deserves to rise on the merit of her purpose and preparation, never on the political weight or travel ease of her nationality."
Miss Curacao Camille Thomas also expressed regret at not placing in the competition. "I am not one to complain however I can no longer stay silent. Unfortunately, I witnessed and experienced moments behind the scenes that felt disheartening and did not always align with the standards of clarity and consistency that such a global platform strives to uphold."
On Nov. 24, Miss Côte d’Ivoire withdrew from her post as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, citing a commitment to her "values." On the same day, the Miss Universe National Director for Guyana and Ghana has resigned from her role over "transparency issues" and "inconsistent franchise fees."