Overview
- Preliminary showcases on November 19 featured Mexico’s Fátima Bosch, who drew strong notices in a red swimsuit, a gala gown, and a national costume inspired by the Mexica deity Xochiquétzal valued at about 150,000 pesos.
- Judge Omar Harfouch quit on November 18 alleging an improvised panel had preselected a Top 30 and citing conflicts of interest and vote handling issues; the Miss Universe Organization quickly denied all claims and said official protocols are in force.
- The final is set for November 21 at Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, with an official global stream on the Miss Universe YouTube channel and Mexico’s broadcast on November 20 at 7 p.m. CT via Imagen Televisión.
- Delegations reported withdrawals and replacements for varied reasons, including Persia’s Sahar Biniaz stepping down after her national director’s reported detention in Iran, Germany’s family-related exit without a replacement, Niger’s travel issues, China’s age-related switch, and Congo’s contract dispute.
- Contestant health complaints consistent with suspected foodborne illness affected attendance at some activities, and Mexican director Jorge Figueroa was reported detained in Bangkok before later appearing free on video to deny allegations tied to an illegal betting complaint.