Miss Universe 2023 Contestant Speaks Out on Pageant’s Transparency Issues: A Call for Change

Michelle Dee, Kylie Verzosa.
Credit:

Antoine Flament/Getty; River Callaway/Billboard via Getty

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Michelle Dee recently appeared on the podcast Almost Honest with Miss International 2016, Kylie Verzosa.
• The two discussed their disappointment with the Miss Universe organization.
• Verzosa expressed her dissatisfaction, stating, “I don’t think it’s under the right management. Personally, I do not like Nawat [Itsaragrisil].”

Michelle Dee has expressed growing disillusionment with the upcoming 2025 pageant season. In a recent conversation on the podcast hosted by Kylie Verzosa, the two beauty queens detailed their concerns about the direction of the Miss Universe pageant.

During the episode, Verzosa noted her belief that the Miss Universe organization is not effectively managed. “Personally, I do not like Nawat [Itsaragrisil],” she declared, advocating for stronger leadership within the organization.

Itsaragrisil currently serves as an executive within the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) and is also the president of Miss Grand International. Recently, the MUO has come under scrutiny due to controversies surrounding its ownership by Raúl Rocha, who has reportedly faced legal challenges following allegations of involvement in fuel smuggling and drug trafficking.

As they unpacked their experiences, Dee described the current state of affairs as “disheartening” given her long-standing admiration for the pageants.

Photo from Miss Universe 2025.

Mohan Raj/Getty

Reflecting on the pageant landscape, Dee remarked, “It’s like because you’ve seen it year after year after year — and it’s not just Miss Universe, we go through how many pageants are there now, like 20? Each of the candidates makes their fans feel a certain way. And when you see somebody perform so well and not get placed, you feel they deserve, it’s disheartening.” She stressed the detrimental impact on hopeful participants: “What’s the point of sending your best woman if the system is broken?”

Additionally, Dee raised concerns about accountability and transparency in the organization, hinting at claims regarding pre-selection of finalists, which the MUO has denied.

During their conversation, the potential acquisition of the Miss Universe Organization by Filipino businessman Chavit Singson was also broached. The desire of Singson and his daughter to take over has generated mixed responses, with Dee expressing cautious optimism pending their intentions: “I would love for the Philippines to have control over the Miss Universe franchise, but more importantly, I hope for leadership that respects and is passionate about the brand.” She described the nostalgia for the pageant’s “glory days” as “sad,” underscoring its lasting significance in the pageantry world.

In light of ongoing changes, Dee stated, “To whoever actually wins the bid, we can only hope for the best.”

Miss Universe 2025.

RUNGROJ YONGRIT/EPA/Shutterstock

Earlier this week, the Miss Universe Organization released a statement countering what it called “false and misleading statements” regarding changes to its ownership. The organization emphasized that it remains under its current leadership and is consulting with legal advisers to address misleading claims.

The statement read, “With 75 years of legacy, global impact, and cultural relevance, we remain guided by the same leadership and values that define who we are. Our commitment to transparency, integrity, and our global mission continues to be unwavering.”

Additionally, the organization faced backlash after Nawat Itsaragrisil’s public confrontation with contestant Fátima Bosch during a livestreamed event on November 4, 2025. Itsaragrisil warned contestants about their responsibilities to promote the host country, Thailand. His comments stirred controversy, especially after he called out Bosch for not participating in social media promotions, a claim she denied.

In the wake of this incident, Bosch was later crowned Miss Universe 2025, with many former contestants rallying in her support. A representative for Miss Grand International denied allegations that Itsaragrisil insulted Bosch, claiming there was a misunderstanding involving the language used during their exchange.

This ongoing scrutiny of leadership within the Miss Universe Organization reflects broader concerns about transparency and governance in beauty pageants, raising important questions about the future direction of the industry.