The Miss Universe pageant is moving toward its final show on November 21, pressing on after a turbulent start that quickly went viral online. Belize’s representative, Isabella Zabaneh, has been steadily gaining support from Belizeans at home and abroad. Belize has not placed since 1979, when Sarita Diana Acosta reached the Top 12, and many are now wondering whether Zabaneh could finally break that decades-long streak.
Her wardrobe choices have also stirred conversation back home. In an interview, she remarked that “women do not really have a guayabera,” prompting the owner of a local guayabera shop to publicly dispute the claim and share photos of the women’s styles offered in their store. But while the post criticised Zabaneh’s remark, public sentiment overwhelmingly favoured her. The backlash led to a lengthy Facebook apology in which the owner deleted the comment and announced the business would close.
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On Friday, contestants participated in the Swimsuit Fashion Show in Pattaya, with Bangkok set to host both the Preliminary Competition and the National Costume event in the coming days.
The pageant’s early controversy erupted on November 4 during what was expected to be a routine sashing ceremony. Thai director Nawat confronted Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, over promotional expectations for Thailand. The exchange escalated quickly, with Nawat calling her a “dumb head”, ordering her to “sit down”, and summoning security as she attempted to respond.
Bosch walked out, joined by several other contestants, including reigning Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig. In response, Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) President Raul condemned Nawat’s conduct and suspended him from further involvement. MUO CEO Mario Bucaro was later flown in to oversee operations and steady the event.
The final show and coronation will take place on Friday, 21 November, marking the end of the 74th Miss Universe pageant.
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