Miss Universe lifts participation veto for six Southeast Asian nations

The Miss Universe Organization has lifted a participation veto for delegates from six Southeast Asian nations—Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Laos—ahead of the 75th edition to be held in Puerto Rico this November.

The decision follows a dispute involving Nawat Itsaragrisil, owner of Miss Grand International, whom the organization accused of spreading “false” financial information regarding hosting payments. The Miss Universe Organization stated it would address what it termed “reputational aggression” through legal channels.

Amidst these organizational shifts, various national representatives are preparing for the competition. In France, Garance Authié has been crowned Miss Universe France 2026. In Colombia, María Alejandra López has announced her engagement to Puerto Rican producer Vicente Saavedra. Meanwhile, Ecuador’s Dalia Bucaram has addressed the emotional impact of online harassment, stating she will not resign despite public criticism.

Additionally, Ecuadorian model Mara Topic recently reached the Top 15 of the Victoria’s Secret 2026 casting process but was not selected for the final runway. Public voting via the MU Fan app is also active, allowing fans to help candidates like Costa Rica’s Mariale Acosta secure a spot among the top 30 semifinalists.