In a dramatic conclusion to one of the most controversial Miss Universe pageants in history, 25-year-old Fátima Bosch Fernández of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025 on Friday, November 21, in Bangkok, Thailand. Her victory represents more than just a beauty crown—it's a powerful statement about dignity, courage, and standing up against public humiliation.
A Victory Born from Controversy
The road to the crown was anything but typical. Bosch found herself at the center of a global conversation about respect and women's empowerment after refusing to stay silent when publicly berated by Thai pageant organizer Nawat Itsaragrisil during a livestreamed sashing ceremony on November 4.
The Thai national director criticized Bosch for allegedly not following promotional guidelines and even called security when she defended herself. But instead of backing down, Bosch made a powerful statement: "What your director did is not respectful: he called me dumb. If it takes away your dignity, you need to go."
The Walkout That Sparked a Movement
In an unprecedented show of solidarity, Bosch walked out of the event, and she wasn't alone. Several contestants, including Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark, joined her in protest. This moment transformed into a global conversation about respect for women in competitive spaces.
Presidential Recognition and Global Support
Mexico's first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, publicly praised Bosch's courage. "It seems to me that it is an example of how women should raise our voices," Sheinbaum stated at a news conference. She added that "women look more beautiful when we raise our voice and participate, because that has to do with the recognition of our rights."
The 74th Miss Universe: A Pageant Marked by Scandal
This year's competition faced multiple controversies beyond the bullying incident. Two judges resigned from the eight-member panel, with Lebanese-French composer Omar Harfouch alleging that an "impromptu jury" had preselected finalists ahead of the final night. The Miss Universe Organization firmly denied these claims, stating that "no external group has been authorized to evaluate delegates or select finalists."
Additional Incidents During Competition
The pageant also witnessed other dramatic moments. Miss Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, fell off the stage during the evening gown preliminary round and had to be hospitalized, though fortunately she suffered no broken bones. The incident highlighted the physical demands and pressures contestants face throughout the competition.
The Final Results and Top Contenders
When Bosch's name was announced as the winner, the audience erupted in cheers, with Mexican flags waving throughout the venue. The final standings were:
- Winner: Fátima Bosch Fernández, 25, Mexico
- First Runner-Up: Praveenar Singh, 29, Thailand
- Second Runner-Up: Stephany Adriana Abasali Nasser, 25, Venezuela
- Fourth Place: Ma Ahtisa Manalo, 28, Philippines
- Fifth Place: Olivia Yacé, 27, Ivory Coast
Who is Fátima Bosch?
The newly crowned Miss Universe is more than a beauty queen. According to her official biography, Bosch studied fashion in both Mexico and Italy, focusing on creating sustainable designs and working with discarded materials. Her advocacy work includes volunteering with sick children, promoting environmental awareness, supporting migrants, and engaging in mental health initiatives.
Speaking to media after her victory, Bosch expressed her vision for the title: "I would like to be remembered as a person that changed a little bit the prototype of what is a Miss Universe and a real person that gives the heart." She described Miss Universe as "a platform that is strong because they have the space that women are searching to have a voice."
A Historic Win for Mexico
Bosch's victory marks Mexico's fourth Miss Universe crown, adding to the country's proud pageant legacy. Previous Mexican winners include Ximena Navarrete (2010), Lupita Jones (1991), and the pageant's second-ever winner in 1991.
The Apology That Came Too Late
Following the global backlash, Nawat Itsaragrisil offered a tearful apology to the contestants. "If anyone was affected and not comfortable it happened, I am so sorry," he said. However, he also appeared defiant, adding, "It's passed. OK? Are you happy?" This half-hearted apology did little to quell the controversy surrounding his conduct.
The Future of Miss Universe
This year's turbulent pageant raises important questions about the future direction of Miss Universe. The competition, which began in 1952 and was partially owned by Donald Trump from 1996 to 2022, has faced declining viewership in recent years amid concerns about the objectification of women and its cultural relevance.
The organization has attempted to modernize, allowing transgender women, married women, and mothers to compete, and removing age caps for contestants. However, the recent controversies highlight the ongoing challenges in balancing tradition with contemporary values of respect and inclusivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Miss Universe 2025 controversy?
Thai organizer Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly berated Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch during a livestreamed event for allegedly not following promotional guidelines. When she defended herself, he called security and threatened disqualification, prompting a walkout by multiple contestants.
How many Miss Universe titles has Mexico won?
With Fatima Bosch's 2025 victory, Mexico has now won four Miss Universe titles. Previous winners include Ximena Navarrete (2010), Lupita Jones (1991), and Mexico was also the second-ever Miss Universe winner in the pageant's early years.
Did judges resign from Miss Universe 2025?
Yes, two judges resigned from the eight-member panel. Lebanese-French composer Omar Harfouch stepped down alleging rigging, while former French soccer star Claude Makélélé cited "unforeseen personal reasons." The Miss Universe Organization denied all allegations of impropriety.
Where was Miss Universe 2025 held?
The 74th Miss Universe pageant was held in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 21, 2025. Thailand served as both the host country and provided the first runner-up, Praveenar Singh.
What is Fatima Bosch's advocacy work?
Fatima Bosch is passionate about sustainable fashion design using discarded materials. She also volunteers with sick children, promotes environmental awareness, supports migrant rights, and advocates for mental health initiatives.
A Crown Earned Through Courage
Fatima Bosch's journey to the Miss Universe crown is a testament to the power of standing up for one's dignity. Her refusal to accept disrespectful treatment, combined with her grace under pressure, resonated with audiences worldwide. As she begins her reign, Bosch carries not just a crown, but a mandate to use her platform to amplify voices that too often go unheard.
This victory shows that in 2025, pageant winners are judged not just on their appearance, but on their character, courage, and commitment to making a difference. Fatima Bosch embodied all these qualities and more, making her a truly deserving Miss Universe.
