The Miss Universe Organization has confirmed the departure of its Chief Executive Officer, Mario Bucaro, weeks after Fatima Bosch won the Miss Universe crown representing Mexico on November 21, 2025.
The organisation described the leadership change as part of an orderly, structured transition, noting that Bucaro had held operational responsibilities for the pageant’s production since joining in January 2024.
However, the announcement comes amid growing scrutiny of alleged governance and conflict-of-interest issues involving individuals associated with the pageant.
Following the 74th edition of Miss Universe, commentators and media outlets questioned the competition’s integrity. Much of the scrutiny centres on relationships between pageant leadership and individuals linked to Mexico’s state energy sector.
Raúl Rocha Cantú, a co-owner of the Miss Universe Organisation, signed the statement confirming Bucaro’s exit. Public records and media reports indicate that a company linked to Rocha Cantú, Soluciones Gasíferas del Sur, secured a Pemex contract valued at more than 700 million pesos, prompting allegations of improper procurement practices. Rocha Cantú has not been convicted of any wrongdoing.
Miss Universe CEO Mario Búcaro Resigns 1 Month After He Was Put in the Role amid Pageant Controversies https://t.co/o11zhSwTmn
— People (@people) December 13, 2025Further attention has focused on Bernardo Bosch Hernández, the father of Miss Universe winner Fatima Bosch, who previously served as a senior executive at Pemex. Past reporting has highlighted questions surrounding unexplained income during his tenure, which critics argue raises concerns about potential influence.
Since Bosch’s coronation, some commentators have alleged favouritism and questioned whether commercial or political relationships influenced the outcome. The Miss Universe Organisation has not acknowledged any irregularities in the judging process.
Allegations Surrounding Mario Bucaro
Separately from the pageant, Mario Bucaro has faced allegations in Guatemala related to his tenure as foreign minister. Media reports have linked him to investigations involving organised crime and illicit trade. Authorities have not issued a final court ruling against him.
Read: Miss Universe 2025 Winner Fatima Bosch Faces Nepotism Claims
Mexican media have also reported that Raúl Rocha Cantú is cooperating with Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR) in unrelated investigations. Mexico’s Ministry of Finance has confirmed the temporary freezing of certain bank accounts linked to Rocha Cantú as part of ongoing inquiries.
The convergence of these allegations has drawn international attention and placed the Miss Universe Organisation under intense public scrutiny. Analysts say the situation highlights the need for stronger governance, transparency, and conflict-of-interest safeguards within global cultural institutions.
