The Miss Universe 2025 pageant, held on November 21 in Bangkok, Thailand, ended with Mexico’s Fatima Bosch crowned as the new Miss Universe. However, two weeks after the coronation, the controversy surrounding the organisation has intensified. Melissa Sapini, Miss Haiti 2025, has publicly urged the Miss Universe Organisation to commission an impartial, external investigation into multiple allegations raised before and after the event.
Sapini shared an exclusive statement with the Hindustan Times, emphasising that her call for accountability is not about challenging Bosch’s victory. Instead, she stressed the need to protect contestants who may not feel safe speaking out and to help safeguard the future credibility of the pageant.
“This Is Not About Fatima”
In her statement, Sapini clarified:
“Let me be clear: this is not about Fatima. This is about protecting the women who cannot safely speak for themselves. I am speaking out because the organisers continue to provide excuses instead of answers. Representing Haiti is the greatest honour of my life. But this moment is bigger than a crown.”
This comes a day after winner Fatima Bosch defended the Miss Universe Organisation in an interview with ABC News.
Sapini criticised attempts to minimise or dismiss concerns circulating online, saying:
“The world is watching. The narrative being pushed right now threatens the future and the integrity of Miss Universe. Jokes about social media followers and Walmart crowns will not distract from the serious allegations we are raising.”
Concerns Over Nawat Itsaragrisil’s Conduct
A major part of Sapini’s statement directly addressed allegations involving Nawat Itsaragrisil, the Miss Grand International president and a key organiser of Miss Universe 2025. She accused him of dishonesty and attempting to silence critics through legal threats.
“As for Nawat’s behaviour, I was in that room. We all heard what he said. Claiming it was a misunderstanding is insulting to every multilingual woman in the competition. To blame a language barrier is outrageous. His crocodile tears were dramatic, not honest. Now, he’s attempting to silence Fatima with fabricated criminal charges. When will this man stop?”
Sapini added that contestants’ backstage experiences are critical to understanding the full picture of what occurred during the event.
Call for an Unbiased External Review
Sapini argued that an internal review by Miss Universe would lack credibility and fail to ensure transparency.
“Having Miss Universe defend Miss Universe is like asking a police department to investigate itself — it will never produce the full truth.”
She concluded with a clear demand for an independent, external, and transparent investigation into the allegations.
The Miss Universe Organisation has not yet released an official statement in response to Sapini’s request. The 2025 pageant faced several controversies involving claims of rigging, safety concerns, and public disputes that have left the organisation under heightened scrutiny.
