Miss Universe Estonia Brigitta Schaback Quits Amid Pageant Turmoil

The 74th edition of Miss Universe 2025, held in Bangkok, Thailand, has become one of the most controversial seasons in the pageant’s history. What began as a global celebration of beauty, culture, and empowerment quickly turned into a chain of scandals, disputes, resignations, and online backlash. Adding to the ongoing turmoil, Estonia’s representative Brigitta Schaback announced on November 23 that she is stepping down from the title of Miss Universe Estonia.

Her resignation came shortly after public disappointment erupted online over the crowning of Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, as Miss Universe 2025. Amid the debate over the results, Schaback took to Instagram to confirm that she no longer wished to be associated with the Miss Universe Estonia title or its management.

In her post, she revealed that her decision was rooted in serious disagreements with Estonia’s national director, Natalie Korneitsik. Schaback stated that her values and work ethics did not align with those of the leadership, and remaining in her position would require compromising on principles she deeply cares about. She emphasized that her commitment to women’s empowerment and equality remains intact, but she will continue her advocacy independently. Her announcement clearly stated that she would no longer have any association with Miss Universe Estonia or its management. She wrote, “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.”

Her resignation adds yet another chapter to what has already been an unusually turbulent edition of the global pageant. Prior to the finale, Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch faced public humiliation from Thailand’s director, Nawat Itsaragrisl, who criticized her openly, prompting several contestants to walk out in her support. The incident caused widespread outrage online and forced Nawat to issue a public apology.

The controversy did not end there. After Bosch was crowned, many viewers claimed that her final answer was weaker compared to other finalists and argued that more deserving contestants had been overlooked. One of the judges, former Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Glebova, expressed her dissatisfaction on Instagram, stating that the first runner-up was, in her opinion, the true winner. She also criticized the judging process for lacking transparency.

Another judge, Omar Harfouch, resigned just three days before the final event, alleging that a “secret committee” had already chosen the top 30 finalists and knew the results 24 hours before contestants competed on stage. Miss Universe President Raul Rocha later refuted these claims, saying that Harfouch had been removed from the judging panel.

With resignations, accusations of rigging, public disputes, and growing mistrust in the selection process, the 74th Miss Universe edition has become one of the most dramatic and debated in recent history. Instead of showcasing global unity and talent, the controversies repeatedly overshadowed the glamour of the prestigious pageant.