Miss Universe Contestant Voices Concern Over Pageant Drama for ‘Views’
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Irish contestant Aadya Srivastava, aged 19, made her Miss Universe debut at the international competition in Bangkok on Nov. 21. Amidst growing controversies, Srivastava believes the pageant deliberately stirred up drama to attract more attention and viewership.
The Miss Universe 2025 contest culminated in the coronation of Fátima Bosch from Mexico. However, leading up to the event, the pageant was embroiled in various controversies that captured global attention. From a viral altercation between a pageant executive and a contestant to allegations of judging irregularities, the run-up to the competition was rife with drama and intrigue.
Three weeks prior to the pageant, contestants arrived in Bangkok, kickstarting a whirlwind of events. The first wave of controversy hit the headlines on Nov. 4 after a live stream captured a tense exchange between pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil and contestant Fátima Bosch. The aftermath saw Itsaragrisil facing sanctions and musician Omar Harfouch resigning from the selection committee, citing improprieties in the judging process.
Despite the turbulence surrounding the competition, Srivastava reflects on her experience in Thailand as a valuable learning opportunity. As the second youngest participant and a first-time contender, she aimed to absorb insights from her peers and form meaningful connections. The shared challenges and upheavals during the pageant solidified the bond among contestants, fostering a sense of unity among them all.
Contrary to common perceptions of pageants breeding rivalry and conflict, Srivastava attests to a harmonious dynamic among the participants. She acknowledges her initial concerns about potential discord among the diverse group of contestants but was pleasantly surprised by the camaraderie and support they extended to each other throughout the competition.
In light of the absence of interpersonal strife amongst the contestants, Srivastava speculates that the pageant organisers may have amplified controversies to generate buzz and elevate viewership figures. She suggests that the media frenzy surrounding the event was orchestrated to command attention and enhance the event’s visibility on a global scale.
While Srivastava acknowledges the unconventional turn of events during this year’s Miss Universe, she remains resolute in her commitment to future pageants. Despite the tumultuous season, she expresses a desire to leverage her experiences and insights gained from her debut participation to excel in forthcoming competitions. This season has left an indelible mark on both the participants and viewers, showcasing the multifaceted nature of the pageantry world.
As Srivastava reflects on her Miss Universe journey, she articulates her reluctance to revisit the same competition due to its chaotic nature but expresses enthusiasm for exploring opportunities with other pageantry organisations. Her resilient spirit and determination to harness her newfound knowledge and connections affirm her resolve to continue venturing into the realm of pageants, armed with valuable lessons and unwavering enthusiasm.