Miss Universe 2025 Grand Finale Kicks Off in Bangkok
The grand finale of the 74th annual Miss Universe competition is currently taking place in Bangkok, Thailand. This prestigious event, which celebrates the core values of unity, empowerment, and resilience, has gathered a record 120 confident women from across the globe, all vying for the coveted crown. For viewers in India, the Miss Universe 2025 competition is being livestreamed on the official Miss Universe YouTube channel, with the broadcast starting at 6 am IST.
Live Updates from the Event Stage
The morning of the finale has already seen some dramatic moments. At approximately 7:30 AM, Miss Côte d'Ivoire appeared visibly nervous on stage, struggling to pronounce her own name and fumbling while announcing the name of her country. Shortly before that, at 7:20 AM, the spotlight turned to India's representative, Manika Vishwakarma.
Hailing from Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan, Manika is a formidable contender. She is currently completing her final year of a degree in Political Science and Economics. Her journey to the international stage was paved by her previous victory, where she was crowned Miss Universe Rajasthan 2024.
A Pageant Shrouded in Controversy
This year's Miss Universe event has been clouded by significant controversies, raising questions about its integrity. The pageant has faced serious accusations, including rigging, conflicts of interest, and various legal concerns.
The situation intensified just days before the finale when three judges resigned from their positions. One of these judges made the shocking allegation that the competition's results were predetermined, claiming a secret, unofficial jury had already selected the finalists. Another judge asserted that a fellow jury member was romantically involved with a contestant, further complicating matters.
Tensions also flared publicly when Nawat Itsaragrisil, the director of Miss Universe Thailand, reprimanded Mexico's contestant, Fatima Bosch, for missing promotional events. The conflict escalated to the point where security personnel were called to remove her. This action prompted a walkout in protest by several contestants, including the reigning Miss Universe. Following intervention, Nawat later issued a public apology.
Adding to the pageant's legal troubles, Thai police have launched an investigation into reports that contestants were allegedly asked to film promotional content for an online gambling site, an act that may violate national law.
