Beauty pageants aren’t always pretty. Competitive events from Miss USA to Miss Universe have all had their fair share of scandals and controversies over the years.

In 1984, Miss America Vanessa Williams famously gave up her crown after nude photos were published in Penthouse. Years later, in 2006, Miss USA Tara Conner kept her sash when then-Miss Universe owner and now President of the United States Donald Trump offered her a second chance after she admitted to abusing drugs and alcohol.

The latest controversy came in November 2025, when an argument broke out between Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch and Thai businessman Nawat Itsaragrisil during a sash ceremony.

Keep scrolling to see the biggest beauty pageant scandals through the years:

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