The Miss Universe 2025 pageant, held in Thailand on Friday, November 21, ended amid a wave of heated controversy after Fátima Bosch of Mexico was crowned the winner. The decision triggered loud protests inside Impact Muang Thong Thani as global pageant fans chanted “cooking show” in anger over the result.
The final night and the reactions
Winner: Fátima Bosch (Mexico)
1st runner-up: Veena Praveenar Singh (Thailand)
2nd runner-up: Stephany Abasali (Venezuela)
3rd runner-up: Ahtisa Manalo (Philippines)
4th runner-up: Olivia Yacé (Côte d’Ivoire)
The final moments were met with immediate outcry from a substantial portion of the audience and online followers who felt the competition’s outcome was predetermined. Inside the arena, the chant “cooking show” reverberated, signaling a belief among many fans that the crown had been pre-decided or “pre-cooked.” The crowd also chanted the country name of “Côte d’Ivoire” as they believe Olivia Yace is the deserving winner (her placement was 4th runner up).
What “cooking show” means in pageant slang
The term “cooking show” in pageant slang refers to the accusation that a winner has been fixed or pre-determined before the pageant results are announced. The chant implies that backstage deals, negotiations, or undisclosed influences compromised the fairness of the competition. This phrase has appeared in pageant discourse when fans suspect a predetermined outcome rather than a transparent evaluation of contestants.
Notable figures and statements
Omar Harfouch, a Lebanese-French composer, had previously withdrawn as a judge for Miss Universe 2025. Reports emerged that Harfouch claimed on HBO the day before the coronation that he believed Miss Mexico was pre-determined to win the pageant. He alleged that such a decision could be connected to undisclosed business ties involving Raul Rocha, the Miss Universe owner, and Fátima Bosch’s family. Harfouch’s comments, amplified by social media, fed the ongoing debate about the integrity of the judging process. The hashtag #cookingshow trended in coverage and commentary surrounding the event.
