Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, was crowned Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand on Friday, securing victory after a tumultuous buildup marked by walkouts, judge resignations, and on-stage mishaps.
Bosch emerged winner ahead of contestants from Ivory Coast, the Philippines, Thailand and Venezuela, selected from more than 120 participants in one of the world’s “Big Four” beauty pageants.
The weeks leading up to the final were fraught with controversy. At the centre of the storm was Bosch herself, who staged a dramatic walkout earlier this month after Miss Universe Thailand director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, publicly reprimanded her during what appeared to be a livestreamed meeting.
Nawat accused her of failing to upload required promotional content on social media. Bosch, accompanied by Miss Iraq, walked out as Nawat called for security, prompting murmurs of solidarity from other contestants before he ordered them to remain seated.
Speaking afterward, Bosch said: “What your director did is not respectful: he called me dumb. The world needs to see this because we are empowered women and this is a platform for our voice.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum later praised Bosch’s stance, calling her “an example of how women should speak out.” Nawat eventually apologised, and when pressed by reporters during the final event, said he would “rather not talk about her” before later congratulating her.
Chaos behind the scenes
The pageant saw further upheaval when two judges resigned days before the final. French composer Omar Harfouch alleged that organisers held a “secret and illegitimate vote” without the official jury, an accusation the Miss Universe Organization firmly denied. Former footballer Claude Makelele also withdrew, citing “unforeseen personal reasons.”
Several contestants suffered mishaps during rehearsals and preliminary events. Miss Britain, Danielle Latimer, tripped and fell on stage during the costume round, while Miss Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, was hospitalised after falling off the stage during an evening gown showcase, though organisers said she did not sustain serious injuries.
In Bosch’s hometown of Villahermosa, thousands gathered at a baseball stadium to watch the finale. Cheers of “Mexico! Mexico!” erupted when she was crowned, with fireworks lighting up the night sky, according to local media.
At her post-victory press conference, Bosch said she hoped to be remembered as “a Miss Universe that wasn’t afraid to be herself, and someone who helped change, even a little, the prototype of what a Miss Universe should be.”
