Miss Universe 2023: A Year of Controversy and Drama
This year’s Miss Universe competition has certainly made headlines, from onstage injuries to chaotic walkouts and serious allegations of vote rigging. The event held in Thailand was an unforgettable spectacle that captivated audiences worldwide.
The Aftermath of the Crowning
Just days after Fátima Bosch was crowned Miss Universe, startling news emerged: both co-owners of the Miss Universe Organisation are now facing arrest warrants. The unfolding drama added another layer of intrigue to an already tumultuous event.
Raúl Rocha Cantú: Facing Serious Allegations
Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú, one of the co-owners of the Miss Universe Organisation, is under investigation for serious charges including drug, gun, and fuel trafficking between Guatemala and Mexico. Rocha’s extensive business portfolio includes industries, casinos, and beauty pageants. He has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, stating, “It is completely false that I have an arrest warrant.”
Confirmation of the Investigation
Despite Rocha’s claims, the attorney general’s office later confirmed the investigation and announced that arrest orders have been issued for 13 individuals, including Rocha. The public interest in this shocking development showcases the entangled relationship between beauty pageantry and legal controversies.
Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip: Another Co-Owner in Trouble
The other half of the Miss Universe Organisation belongs to Thai media mogul Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, who also faces an arrest warrant issued by a Thai court. Jakkaphong is implicated in a fraud case by a plastic surgeon, who claims that she misrepresented information to secure investments in her company, JKN Global Group. The judge declared her a flight risk after she failed to appear in court, leaving her current whereabouts unknown.
The Unfolding Drama at Miss Universe
Amid these legal troubles, the Miss Universe 2023 competition has been rife with dramatic events. Early in November, Fátima Bosch, then representing Mexico, gained widespread attention when she staged a walkout after being insulted by the pageant’s director. Following public backlash, the director issued a tearful apology, with many, including Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, supporting Bosch as a symbol of empowerment.
Allegations of Vote Rigging
Fátima Bosch eventually triumphed over the crowd favorite, Miss Thailand, to claim the Miss Universe crown. However, her victory was soon overshadowed by allegations of vote rigging. In the lead-up to the final, two judges resigned, with one suggesting potential manipulation of the voting process. Simultaneously, there were claims of business connections between Rocha and Pemex, the Mexican state oil company, leading to further scrutiny of Bosch’s victory.
Support for Fátima Bosch
Despite the swirling controversies, President Claudia Sheinbaum reiterated her support for Bosch, clarifying that any investigation into Rocha should not diminish Bosch’s accomplishments. “They want to connect them, but they are different. They want to detract from her achievement,” Sheinbaum emphasized, underscoring the importance of separating personal integrity from the outcomes of a beauty pageant.
