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Published : 22 Nov 2025, 03:08 AM
Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch has been crowned Miss Universe at a glittering ceremony in Bangkok, bringing to a close one of the most scandal-filled seasons in the pageant’s history.
The BBC reported that Bosch, 25, had earlier walked out of a pre-pageant event after being publicly berated by Thai official and organiser Nawat Itsaragrasil.
Threatened with disqualification for herself and supporters, she left the room in protest, a moment that made headlines worldwide.
Bosch’s victory has sparked divided reactions online. As per the BBC coverage, many Mexicans celebrated her triumph, while some speculated that organisers may have awarded her the crown to compensate for earlier scandal.
The runners-up were Miss Thailand Praveenar Singh, Miss Venezuela Stephany Abasali, followed by Miss Philippines Ma Ahtisa Manalo and Miss Cote d’Ivoire Olivia Yace.
BACKSTAGE DRAMA
Early in November, at a pre-pageant ceremony, Nawat publicly reprimanded Bosch for failing to post promotional content.
The British broadcaster said when Bosch objected, security was called and threats issued. Others joined her in solidarity.
The Miss Universe Organisation condemned Nawat’s conduct as “malicious”, while Bosch’s father Raul Rocha, speaking from Mexico via video, urged him to “just stop”.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised Bosch as “an example of how we women should speak out” against aggression.
During the finals, Nawat was in the audience but did not appear on stage.
The BBC added that he later posted a cryptic message in Thai: “A billion words that cannot be said,” and told reporters that the result was for viewers worldwide to judge.
Fans on social media suggested the backstage drama helped Bosch clinch Mexico’s fourth Miss Universe crown.
RESIGNATIONS, ALLEGATIONS
A week after Bosch’s walkout, two judges resigned.
Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch alleged on Instagram that an “impromptu jury” pre-selected finalists.
Hours later, former French footballer Claude Makelele cited “unforeseen personal reasons” for leaving.
The Miss Universe Organisation rejected these claims. According to the BBC, no external group had authority to evaluate delegates or select finalists.
Harfouch repeated his allegations online minutes after Bosch’s win.
During the preliminary evening gown round, Miss Jamaica fell onstage and was stretchered out. Clips went viral on social media.
Organisers later confirmed she was hospitalised but unharmed. The BBC said she was “under good care”.
TURBULENCE
The BBC, citing analyst reported that the controversies highlight cultural and strategic differences between Miss Universe’s Thai and Mexican owners. Mr Nawat, founder of Miss Grand International, organised this year’s pageant under licence, while the Miss Universe Organisation is run from Mexico by Rocha.
Thai transgender mogul Anne Jakrajutatip, who acquired the pageant in 2022, had introduced inclusivity reforms, allowing transgender, married women and mothers to compete, while scrapping age caps. She monetised the brand, but in 2023, her company JKN filed for bankruptcy citing liquidity issues.
She reportedly resigned before this year’s pre-pageant events, appointing Mario Bucaro CEO and bringing in Rocha and Nawat.
Dani Walker, a beauty coach, told the BBC the leadership transition was “very rocky,” with roles split between Bangkok and Mexico.
Paula Shugart, former Miss Universe president, said: “For fans and outsiders, it’s very confusing. No one knows who the real leaders are… this damages the brand.”
Scholar Thitiphong Duangkhong told the British outlet that cultural misunderstandings between Thai organisers and Latin American audiences remain.
He noted Jakrajutatip being a transwoman might not sit well with some fans in macho cultures.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Bosch’s crowning, the 74th since 1952, shows the organisation’s resolve to remain relevant and evolve from a TV spectacle into a social media-savvy brand.
As per BBC, former winners and runners-up maintain millions of followers on Instagram and TikTok, becoming influencers.
Nawat’s e-commerce initiatives, including live sales during broadcasts, are expected to expand into Miss Universe.
Latin American audiences, however, still view pageant winners as glamorous TV celebrities. Regional contests, such as Miss Universe Latina, feed into the Bangkok finale.
The pageant remains popular in Latin America and Southeast Asia, providing a route out of poverty or a path to celebrity.
Yet relevance and criticism for objectifying women persist.
Organisers have adapted, allowing conservative contestants to wear full-body coverings, while most wore two-piece bikinis.
Paula Shugart told the BBC: “Miss Universe is nothing if you’re not empowering the women that compete… as long as core values are intact, pageants will always have a role in society.”
Despite scandals, judge resignations, and onstage mishaps, Bosch’s triumph cements her as a symbol of resilience and grace, closing a turbulent chapter in Miss Universe history.
