The Miss Universe 2025 pageant, held on November 21, 2025, concluded with Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, being crowned the winner. However, the event was overshadowed by allegations of rigging and resignations from key figures involved in the competition. Hours before the grand finale, Isabella ‘Bella’ Zabaneh, representing Belize, was celebrated by her parents for her achievements, regardless of the outcome. Her father emphasized that Bella had already made Belize proud by becoming Miss Belize Universe and serving as an ambassador for the nation. Bella’s mother shared how she managed the pressure through prayer and support from her community. Despite not winning, Bella’s journey united Belizeans behind her cause, as seen on social media. Behind the scenes, controversy erupted when French judge Omar Harfouch resigned, claiming the competition was rigged. In an unreleased HBO interview, Harfouch alleged that Miss Universe owner Raúl Rocha pressured him to vote for Fatima Bosch due to business interests, including a connection to Bosch’s father. Harfouch declared Miss Mexico’s victory as illegitimate in a social media post. Fatima Bosch’s path to the crown was also marred by a viral incident where she walked out of a sashing ceremony after a confrontation with Thai executive Nawat Itsaragrisil. Following the crowning, former Miss Universe Natalie Glebova, who remained on the judging panel, announced her resignation and called for the reinstatement of independent auditors, citing her own experience in the 2005 pageant. The allegations have cast a shadow over the integrity of the Miss Universe 2025 competition, leaving many to question whether the results were truly fair.