Fatima Bosch from Mexico has claimed the Miss Universe 2025 crown at a ceremony in Bangkok, capping off a pageant season filled with controversy, BBC reports.
The 25-year-old made headlines earlier this month after walking out of a pre-pageant event when a Thai official publicly criticised her and threatened to disqualify those who supported her. This incident was followed by the resignation of two judges, one alleging that the organisers had rigged the contest.
Bosch’s victory sparked debate online. Many celebrated her triumph and viewed it as a victory for standing up to mistreatment, while others questioned whether she was awarded the crown to compensate for the earlier scandal.
Top placements
Miss Thailand Praveenar Singh finished as first runner-up, Miss Venezuela Stephany Abasali placed third, followed by Miss Philippines Ma Ahtisa Manalo and Miss Cote d’Ivoire Olivia Yace.
Backstage controversy
The drama unfolded during a pre-pageant ceremony when Thai media mogul Nawat Itsaragrasil publicly reprimanded Bosch for not posting promotional content. Security was called, and she left the room with other contestants in solidarity. The Miss Universe Organization condemned the behaviour, describing it as «malicious.» Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised Bosch as a role model for women speaking out against aggression.
During the finals, Nawat remained largely offstage, later posting a cryptic social media message in Thai. Some fans suggested that the earlier controversy helped Bosch secure her win, noting Mexico’s fourth Miss Universe title.
Judge resignations and allegations
Following the walkout, judges Omar Harfouch and Claude Makelele resigned, with Harfouch claiming the finalists had been pre-selected. The organisation denied these allegations. Meanwhile, Miss Jamaica fell during the preliminary evening gown round but was unharmed.
Leadership and ownership turbulence
The pageant has experienced a complex transition in ownership and management. Nawat organised the 2025 event under licence from the Miss Universe Organization, now run by Raul Rocha in Mexico. Former owner Anne Jakrajutatip introduced inclusivity reforms, allowing transgender, married women, and mothers to compete, before stepping down amid her company’s financial troubles. Analysts note that the divided leadership between Bangkok and Mexico has created confusion and highlighted cultural differences between the Thai and Latin American teams.
Future of Miss Universe
The crowning of Bosch marks the 74th Miss Universe title and reflects an effort to maintain relevance in the social media era. Audiences have shifted from traditional broadcasts to platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where former contestants often operate as influencers. The pageant continues to balance global cultural expectations, allowing for modest swimwear for contestants from conservative countries. Former Miss Universe president Paula Shugart emphasised that empowering contestants must remain the organisation’s core mission.
Despite ongoing criticism and declining traditional viewership, Miss Universe continues to adapt as a global brand while celebrating the achievements and voices of its participants.
