Brigitta Schaback Steps Down as Miss Universe Estonia Amid Controversy

The Miss Universe 2025 competition, currently unfolding in Bangkok, Thailand, has rapidly spiraled into one of the most contentious seasons in its extensive history. Originally a festive showcase of beauty and cultural diversity, the event has devolved into a series of controversies, leading to scandals, resignations, and significant public outcry. Most recently, Brigitta Schaback, representing Estonia, announced her resignation from the Miss Universe Estonia title on November 23.

Her departure surfaced shortly after mixed reactions arose over the crowning of Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, as Miss Universe 2025. Amid the ensuing debates, Schaback revealed through an Instagram post that she no longer wanted to be affiliated with the Miss Universe Estonia title or its organizational team.

In her message, she expressed that her decision stemmed from fundamental disagreements with Estonia’s national director, Natalie Korneitsik. According to Schaback, the principles and ethics she champions diverged significantly from those upheld by the pageant's leadership. She articulated that maintaining her role would necessitate a compromise on her core values, which she is unwilling to make. Schaback reassured her followers that her dedication to women's empowerment and equality remains unwavering and that she plans to continue her advocacy independently. She stated, "I am stepping down from the title of Miss Universe Estonia. My values and work ethics don't align with those of the national director, Natalie Korneitsik. My commitment is to women's empowerment and equality, and I will continue this work independently without any further association with Miss Universe Estonia."

This resignation marks another unsettling event in what has already been a highly turbulent pageant season. Prior to the finale, Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, experienced public criticism from Thailand's director, Nawat Itsaragrisl, which prompted multiple contestants to walk out in solidarity with her. This incident sparked significant outrage online, compelling Nawat to publicly apologize.

After Bosch's crowning, social media users expressed doubts regarding her final response, arguing that other contestants were overlooked. Notably, former Miss Universe 2005, Natalie Glebova, voiced her disappointment on Instagram, suggesting that she believed the first runner-up truly deserved the title and criticized the judging process for its lack of transparency.

Moreover, another judge, Omar Harfouch, resigned merely three days before the final, alleging that a "secret committee" had predetermined the top 30 finalists and revealed results a day prior to the event. Miss Universe President Raul Rocha dismissed these allegations, stating that Harfouch had been removed from the judging panel.

Between resignations, accusations of rigging, and a growing cloud of mistrust overshadowing the judging process, the 74th iteration of Miss Universe has proven to be one of the most dramatic and contentious in recent times. Rather than focusing on talent and global camaraderie, these controversies have overshadowed the event's intended glamour.