Scandal at Miss Universe 2025: Contestants Allegedly Forced to Film Online Casino Ads
Bangkok police conducted a raid on November 3 at the hotel where Miss Universe contestants were staying, after a photo of Miss Philippines posing with a pillow bearing the logo of the Filipino online casino PlayTime surfaced online.
Suspicions of Illegal Advertising
According to police reports, several contestants were allegedly pressured into participating in photo and video shoots promoting the online casino, which violates Thai law. The promotional materials were later confiscated. The scandal quickly drew public attention, sparking debate about the ethical boundaries of sponsorships in international beauty pageants.
The head of the Thai organizing committee, Nawat Itsaragrisil, accused staff members of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) of coordinating the unauthorized shoot. He emphasized that the iGaming operator was not among the event’s official partners.
Official Reactions and Investigation
Bangkok police launched a formal investigation after the incident was reported online. Hotel security staff alerted authorities upon noticing a production crew filming inside the premises. Officers arrived shortly afterward to investigate the situation.
On November 4, Nawat Itsaragrisil, who also serves as president of Miss Grand International Plc (MGI) and chair of the Miss Universe Thailand 2025 committee, was summoned to give testimony at Wat Phaya Krai Police Station. He confirmed that MGI had no involvement in any promotional activities related to the online casino.
Statement from Miss Grand International
The competition organizers released an official statement asserting that full responsibility for the controversial ad lies with the Miss Universe Organization (MUO). The statement read:
“Miss Grand International Public Company Limited would like to clarify that, based on the ongoing investigation, the online casino promotion was conducted solely by the Miss Universe Organization. Such activities are illegal under Thai law, and our company has no affiliation, partnership, or collaboration with any gambling platforms.”
Investigation Progress and Reputation Fallout
Police continue to examine the origins of the promotional content and how it was produced. Preliminary findings suggest that MUO staff may have used contestants in a marketing campaign without authorization from the Thai organizers.
The incident has caused significant public backlash and inflicted reputational damage on Thailand as the host of this prestigious international event. Government representatives stressed that such actions undermine the country’s image and violate the regulations governing international pageants.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 3, 2025 | Bangkok police raid and seizure of promotional materials |
| November 4, 2025 | Interrogation of Nawat Itsaragrisil and MGI’s official statement |
| November 21, 2025 | Miss Universe 2025 Grand Final in Bangkok |
As of now, MUO representatives have not issued any official comments regarding the allegations. Meanwhile, local media report that police are considering possible charges against international organizers for violating Thai gambling laws.
Key Points
- The promotional shoot took place without approval from the Thai organizing committee
- The online casino PlayTime was not an official event partner
- MGI stated it had no involvement in or connection to the incident
The Miss Universe 2025 controversy has become one of Thailand’s most talked-about stories in early November. Authorities have pledged to conduct a thorough investigation to identify everyone involved in the illegal promotional campaign.