Miss Universe Contestant Demands 'Impartial, Independent' Investigation Following Winner's Defense of Pageant amidst Numerous Controversies

Amid multiple disputes surrounding this years Miss Universe competition, Melissa Sapini, representing Haiti, has demanded a thorough, impartial investigation into the pageant. The 2025 crown was awarded to Ftima Bosch of Mexico in Bangkok on November 21.

Sapinis call comes after Bosch defended the pageant during a December 2 interview with ABC News. In her statement, Sapini emphasized that her demand for accountability is separate from Boschs victory and perspective.

This is not about Ftima. It is about protecting those who cannot safely voice concerns. Organizers continue to offer excuses instead of answers, Sapini said. She highlighted the importance of transparency to preserve the pageants credibility, warning that jokes about social media followers or Walmart crowns should not overshadow serious allegations of misconduct.

Sapini referenced an earlier controversy on November 4, when a livestream captured a tense confrontation between pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil and Bosch. She described the executives behavior as insulting to multilingual contestants and condemned attempts to silence Bosch with alleged false criminal charges.

Reports indicated Itsaragrisil called Bosch a dumbhead, though his organization claims he said damage and that Boschs statement harmed his reputation. Neither Itsaragrisil nor Bosch have publicly addressed the defamation complaint.

Sapini stressed that backstage experiences are as critical as on-stage performances and criticized the pageant for defending itself without external oversight. Having Miss Universe defend itself is like asking a police department to investigate itselfit cannot reveal the full truth, she said, calling for an unbiased, external inquiry.

Before Miss Universe, Sapini was Miss Massachusetts USA and competed in Miss USA 2024. She described her experience in Bangkok as unprecedented, noting constant red flags and a viral incident between Bosch and Itsaragrisil that first made her uneasy.

Following the livestream incident, Miss Universe owner Raul Rocha imposed restrictions on Itsaragrisil, yet Sapini reported the executive continued to interact with contestants. MGI, Itsaragrisils organization, stated his role as host required presence at all events, despite reported limitations.

Three days before the pageant, musician Omar Harfouch resigned from the selection committee, alleging judging misconduct, followed by Claude Makll and Princess Camilla di Borbone delle Due Sicilie. Sapini recalled how these events, combined with widespread illness among contestants, created a tense environment.

While MGI claims medical staff were available and dietary restrictions were managed, Sapini described ongoing health concerns, including food poisoning, and limited intervention from organizers. She said contestants debated leaving Thailand due to these issues and the resignations.

Sapini reflected on her journey, recalling how Miss Universe inspired her as a teenager and the dedication required to reach this stage. I have given so much to this organization, and seeing it unravel has been heartbreaking, she said.

Author: Connor Blake