Miss Universe’s Reputation on Trial

Miss Universe’s Reputation on Trial

Table of Contents

When the Crown Isn’t Enough: The Ahtisa Manalo and Miss Universe’s Reputation on Trial

The Philippines has long been a beauty pageant powerhouse. With four Miss Universe crowns and a deeply passionate fanbase, any international pageant result feels personal. So when Ahtisa “Ahtisa” Manalo—our beloved “manika,” known for her poise, intelligence, and advocacy—ended as 3rd Runner-Up in Miss Universe 2025, it wasn’t just disappointment. It sparked a full-blown controversy.

A Performance That Resonated — and Still Divided

At the coronation night in Thailand, Manalo’s Q&A round stood out. She spoke passionately about her work with Alon Akademie, stressing that coming from humble roots doesn’t limit one’s potential. She delivered her message with poise, clarity, and heart — qualities many fans said were worthy of a crown.

Yet when the final announcement came, she was placed 4th overall, behind winner Fátima Bosch of Mexico, first runner-up Praveenar Singh of Thailand, and second runner-up Stephany Abasali of Venezuela (making Manalo third runner-up). The result caught many by surprise — especially given the strength of her performance.

Miss Universe’s Reputation on Trial — Screenshot

The Outcry Was Immediate — and Fierce

Social media exploded with reactions. Among the loudest voices: Vice Ganda, TV host and comedian, declared it “unacceptable” and claimed the Philippines had been “stolen” of a rightful win. He described Manalo’s responses as “smart, specific, authentic, clear,” calling for her to be congratulated not just for placing, but for how she carried herself. (Philstar)

Former Miss Universe Catriona Gray, from her Instagram broadcast channel, voiced her heartbreak too:

“But also …? Wala na ba bearing ng Q&A sa MU?” She used sad-face and broken-heart emojis, echoing fans’ larger concern that substance was undervalued. (Interaksyon)

These were not mere murmurs — they were powerful, public reckonings.

Judges Rebel, Transparency Questioned

The scandal didn’t just brew among fans. One of the most explosive developments came from Omar Harfouch, a judge who resigned days before the finals, claiming a “secret committee” had chosen the Top 30 long before the official judges voted. (EW)

According to Harfouch, this “impromptu jury” wasn’t just unapproved — some of its members allegedly had personal ties to contestants, including one person responsible for vote counting. (GMA News) He warned of possible legal implications: fraud, corruption, even breach of contract. (PEP)

The fallout was immediate. Two more judges, including Claude Makélélé, stepped down. (NDTV) The controversy tarnished the pageant’s image and raised serious questions: Who really chose the finalists? And is Miss Universe still a competition of merit — or a show of arranged outcomes?

Ahtisa Says No — Even to the Asia Title

In a surprising twist, Manalo reportedly declined the Miss Universe Asia crown that was offered to her. Why? Her team demanded a fully audited report of the judges’ scores before accepting. (Reddit) Similarly, Thailand’s Praveenar Singh is also said to have declined the title, citing the need for greater transparency. (IBTimes)

That demand was not just symbolic. It posed a real challenge to the Miss Universe Organization: if even top-performing contestants refuse titles without accountability, the problem may be structural, not just personal.

What the Experts and Pageant Community Are Saying

Beyond judges and fans, beauty experts and former queens are no longer staying silent.

Some pageant analysts have pointed out the irony: Miss Universe promotes empowerment and authenticity, yet critics say that behind the scenes, the very process meant to reflect fairness may be opaque.
Others note that when scoring and juries are inscrutable, public trust erodes — not only among fans, but among sponsors and national organizations.
Former titleholders have also weighed in: for many, this isn’t just a one-off controversy. It’s part of a larger conversation about how pageants operate in the 21st century, when audiences demand not just beauty, but integrity.

Why This Matters — More Than a Crown

Credibility is on the Line
If a major judge claims the process was rigged, and contestants demand audits, fans will question if pageants are truly competitive. That could permanently damage Miss Universe’s prestige.
Audience Trust Impacts Business
A scandal doesn’t just hurt reputations — it threatens revenue. Sponsors and streaming platforms thrive on public trust. If fans believe results are predetermined, viewership may drop, and sponsors might rethink their investments.
Talent & Morale
For future contestants, especially those who invest time, money, and emotional labor into pageantry, transparency isn’t optional — it’s fundamental. Young queens deserve to know that the process is fair and that their performance actually counts.
National Pride & Representation
In countries like the Philippines, pageantry is cultural. When a beloved contender’s placement becomes controversial, it’s not just about her — it’s about what she represents for a nation. If the system seems unfair, national pride takes a hit too.

Ahtisa’s Legacy: Courage Over Crown

Even without the title, Ahtisa Manalo’s legacy may be her call for accountability. By requesting audited scores and declining further titles without full transparency, she’s challenging the system. She’s not just a beauty queen — she’s a woman pushing for reform.

After the coronation, she wrote:

“My pageant journey may end, but the work continues … Let’s continue fighting … for a better universe.” (Philstar)

That fight resonates far beyond the pageant stage.

Final Thought: Has Miss Universe Lost Its Crown—of Integrity?

If the organization fails to address these issues, the risk is profound. A beauty pageant without trust is just a show. And for many, the show no longer feels real.

The 2025 controversy isn’t just tabloid fodder — it’s a critical moment. Miss Universe must decide: will it become more transparent, or will it continue as a spectacle where the crown is everything — but the process remains invisible?

References

GMA News: Resigned Miss Universe judge alleges rigged results GMA Network
PEP.ph: Omar Harfouch calls Miss Mexico “fake winner,” accuses conflict of interest PEP.ph
NDTV: Miss Universe 2025 controversy explained, legal threats, and judge resignations www.ndtv.com
Philstar: Ahtisa Manalo continues to fight for a better Philippines after pageant Philstar
Philstar (On-the-Radar): Vice Ganda, netizens react strongly to Miss Universe 2025 result Philstar+2Philstar+2
Interaksyon: Pageant fans voice confusion over Miss Universe 2025 placements Interaksyon
Philstar Lifestyle: Post-pageant musings, boos, judging controversies Philstar