Presented as a prestigious event, the Monegasque event linked to Miss Universe mainly gave the image of a confidential operation, little reported locally, without the presence of Prince Albert, and overtaken by suspicions of cheating and accusations of trafficking targeting Raúl Rocha.
A carriage that remains a pumpkin
Monaco was supposed to be the perfect setting. A gala, haute couture, Miss Universe 2025, beauty queens, designer Giannina Azar, international guests, and the supposed prestige of the Principality. On paper, the event had all the ingredients for a glamorous evening, designed to reposition Miss Universe within a prestigious narrative.
But the images broadcast from Monaco tell a far less convincing story. Far from the grand Monegasque event that had been announced, the parade appears to have been a low-key affair, held in an unassuming venue before a small audience, primarily composed of guests from the Latin American community and associates of Miss Universe, the illegitimate beauty queen whose election was marred by cheating. Even in Monaco itself, the event seems to have gone almost unnoticed.
An embarrassing fashion show, far from the promised high standard.
In the publicity surrounding the evening, Monaco was central. The Principality's name was intended to serve as a backdrop to restore credibility to the Miss Universe organization. Yet, on the ground, nothing suggests that the event truly unfolded as a significant Monegasque moment.
The images show Fatima Bosch, Miss Universe 2025, walking the runway for Giannina Azar in a dress, amidst a gala dinner. The whole thing seems remarkably modest considering the stated ambition. We see a room, tables, a few guests, a stage, a sponsor's screen, an indoor red carpet. Nothing that corresponds to the image of a major event on Monaco's social calendar. As if Monaco had served primarily as a geographical label, rather than a genuine partner.
Fatima Bosch's appearance on the red carpet was meant to be one of the highlights of the evening. Miss Universe 2025, crown on her head, voluminous white gown, music, warm lighting, reception hall: everything was designed to create a glamorous image. But the result seemed labored. No one seemed to recognize the woman who thinks she's an international star. The staging lacked grandeur, the audience seemed to be watching more of a dinner party than a true international fashion show, and the whole thing gave the impression of an event tailored for a few Instagram videos rather than genuine public recognition.
In Monaco, where the codes of luxury and staging are particularly well-mastered, this flop is even more glaring, not to say grotesque. A Miss Universe is supposed to embody a global and recognizable figure, capable of attracting attention beyond her own circle. Yet in Monaco, the reception seems to have been limited to an already receptive audience.
Prince Albert, who some had announced would be there to glorify the event, was conspicuous by his absence.
One of the most revealing elements concerns Prince Albert II. His name had been mentioned by some involved in the event, as if his possible presence would lend it an institutional and princely air. But Prince Albert ultimately did not attend.
The gala therefore lacked the symbolic validation that some seemed to want to associate with it. In Monaco, this distinction is important. An event can be held on the territory without being officially endorsed by the Principality. The Prince's absence thus considerably weakens the glamorous narrative built around the gala, ultimately revealing a failed public relations campaign.
Raúl Rocha, the troublesome shadow of the cartels
Another presence that raises serious questions in Monaco is that of Raúl Rocha, the controversial co-owner of the Miss Universe organization. He is linked in Mexico to a complex case involving cartels, fuel smuggling, arms trafficking, money laundering, and alleged ties to criminal networks. Under pressure, he admitted in court to financial involvement in huachicol fuel smuggling operations, portraying his role as strictly financial. And this disastrous and embarrassing gala has done little to erase the scandals.
Miss Universe, the illegitimate Miss
To top it all off, and this is putting it mildly, there's the controversy surrounding Fátima Bosch herself. Her election as Miss Universe 2025 has been publicly contested, notably by a former member of the jury. Omar Harfouchwho denounced, with supporting evidence, the cheating and conflicts of interest surrounding a completely rigged competition.
Monaco was supposed to be used to whitewash the image of Miss Universe and its controversial co-owner. The end result had the exact opposite effect and demonstrated once again how relevant this medieval saying remains, especially with Miss Universe: clothes definitely don't make the person, or rather, the crown doesn't make the Miss…
