Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch has been crowned Miss Universe 2025 in Bangkok, capping off one of the most dramatic and controversy-ridden editions in the pageant’s history.
The 25-year-old emerged victorious weeks after she walked out of a pre-pageant event where Thai organiser Nawat Itsaragrasil publicly scolded her for not posting promotional content. He later threatened to disqualify contestants who supported her, prompting Bosch and several others to leave the room—a moment that made global headlines.
Her win has sharply divided public opinion. Many Mexicans and pageant fans celebrated her resilience, while critics speculated that organisers may have awarded her the title to ease the backlash from earlier controversies.
Miss Thailand Praveenar Singh finished first runner-up, followed by Miss Venezuela Stephany Abasali, Miss Philippines Ma Ahtisa Manalo, and Miss Côte d’Ivoire Olivia Yacé.
A Season of Walkouts, Accusations, and Injury
The pageant’s internal turmoil deepened when two judges resigned days before the finals. Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch accused organisers of rigging the selection process, claiming a separate “impromptu jury” had pre-selected finalists. Former French footballer Claude Makelele also withdrew, citing personal reasons.
The Miss Universe Organization denied all allegations. Harfouch repeated his claims shortly after Bosch’s crowning.
Meanwhile, the contest saw another scare when Miss Jamaica slipped during the preliminary evening gown event and was taken out on a stretcher. Organisers later said she sustained no serious injuries.
Leadership Rift and Cultural Tensions
This year’s chaos has highlighted tensions between Miss Universe’s Thai and Mexican leadership. The pageant was organised by Thai media figure Nawat Itsaragrasil under new Mexican business partner Raúl Rocha.
The transition has been rocky. Former owner Anne Jakrajutatip—who introduced major inclusivity reforms and removed age restrictions—had recently stepped aside after her company JKN filed for bankruptcy.
Observers say the fragmented leadership has created confusion for contestants and fans, with decision-making split across Bangkok and Mexico.
A Pageant Fighting for Relevance
Despite declining global TV audiences, Miss Universe continues to command huge followings in Latin America and Southeast Asia. Organisers are now increasingly turning to TikTok and other social platforms to keep the brand alive in a changing media landscape.
While the competition still faces criticism for objectifying women, former Miss Universe president Paula Shugart argued that pageants remain impactful when they genuinely empower contestants.
“Miss Universe is nothing if you’re not empowering the women that compete,” she said.
Bosch’s crowning marks Mexico’s fourth Miss Universe title—and perhaps the most controversial one yet.
