When the golden crown studded with diamonds and pearls is placed on the head of the new Miss Universe in Thailand on Friday, it will mark the end of an exceptionally chaotic edition. In the days leading up to the glittering coronation in Bangkok, contestants alleging mistreatment walked out and two judges resigned with one claiming the contest is rigged. The controversies, analysts say, underscore the cultural and strategic differences between the pageant's Thai and Mexican owners. The crowning of the new Miss Universe, the 74th since 1952, also signals the resolve of an organisation to stay relevant and evolve from a once-a-year television spectacle to a media brand that is ready for TikTok.
Miss Universe, founded in the US, is one of the longest-running beauty pageants on the planet, alongside UK-based Miss World. It aims to provide a platform for women to promote global causes such as HIV and Aids awareness and education for children. The title can also be a springboard to become a local and international celebrity. Thailand is hosting Miss Universe for the fourth time, and its delegate this year is considered a frontrunner by fan websites. If Thai-Indian Praveenar Singh wins, she will be the country's third Miss Universe and the first since 1988.
The pageant events are being organised by Thai media mogul Nawat Itsaragrasil, known to fans as the founder and owner of Miss Grand International. The Miss Universe Organisation condemned Mr Nawat's behaviour after a recent incident with Miss Mexico, whose support led to a walkout by numerous contestants.
The tumult continues as two judges, including musician Omar Harfouch, resigned amid allegations of rigging and a contestant suffered a fall during the preliminary round. This season's disruptions highlight the complex transition in Miss Universe's leadership as it moves from its previous owner to a newly structured organization with elements of cultural and operational dissonance between the involved parties. As controversies persist, the pageant aims to redefine itself in a rapidly evolving media landscape, seeking both relevancy and empowerment for its participants.
Miss Universe, founded in the US, is one of the longest-running beauty pageants on the planet, alongside UK-based Miss World. It aims to provide a platform for women to promote global causes such as HIV and Aids awareness and education for children. The title can also be a springboard to become a local and international celebrity. Thailand is hosting Miss Universe for the fourth time, and its delegate this year is considered a frontrunner by fan websites. If Thai-Indian Praveenar Singh wins, she will be the country's third Miss Universe and the first since 1988.
The pageant events are being organised by Thai media mogul Nawat Itsaragrasil, known to fans as the founder and owner of Miss Grand International. The Miss Universe Organisation condemned Mr Nawat's behaviour after a recent incident with Miss Mexico, whose support led to a walkout by numerous contestants.
The tumult continues as two judges, including musician Omar Harfouch, resigned amid allegations of rigging and a contestant suffered a fall during the preliminary round. This season's disruptions highlight the complex transition in Miss Universe's leadership as it moves from its previous owner to a newly structured organization with elements of cultural and operational dissonance between the involved parties. As controversies persist, the pageant aims to redefine itself in a rapidly evolving media landscape, seeking both relevancy and empowerment for its participants.
