Quick Read
- Fatima Bosch of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025 after a turbulent competition in Thailand.
- She publicly confronted the pageant’s Thai director over bullying, sparking walkouts and solidarity among contestants.
- Two judges resigned amid allegations of secret voting and rigging; organizers denied the claims.
- Multiple contestants suffered falls, including Miss Jamaica, who was hospitalized but not seriously injured.
- Bosch’s stand was praised by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and became a symbol for women’s rights.
Fatima Bosch Stands Tall Amidst Miss Universe 2025 Chaos
The Miss Universe pageant is renowned for its dazzling gowns, global camaraderie, and moments of triumph. But the 74th edition in Thailand was anything but serene. Fatima Bosch, representing Mexico, didn’t just win the crown—she weathered a storm of controversy that laid bare the challenges and complexities lurking beneath the glitter.
Public Insults, Walkouts, and the Power of Speaking Up
It started as a routine sashing ceremony, but the atmosphere quickly soured. On November 4, Bosch found herself at the center of a firestorm when Nawat Itsaragrisil, the Thai director and co-owner of the competition, publicly chastised her for not posting promotional content on social media. In front of fellow contestants and a live stream audience, he called her a “dumbhead” and demanded security intervene. Bosch, refusing to be silenced, walked out of the event in her evening gown and heels, joined by Miss Iraq and others who hesitated but ultimately sat down under pressure.
Her reaction was more than a personal protest—it became a rallying point. Last year’s Miss Universe, Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig, openly defended Bosch, stating, “To trash another girl, it’s beyond disrespectful… That’s why I’m taking my coat and I’m going.” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum echoed the sentiment, calling Bosch “an example of how we women should speak out.” Bosch herself told reporters, “The world needs to see this because we are empowered women and this is a platform for our voice.”
Judge Resignations and Allegations of Vote Rigging
The turbulence wasn’t confined to the stage. As the finale approached, two judges abruptly resigned. French-Lebanese composer Omar Harfouch accused organizers of holding a “secret and illegitimate vote” to pre-select 30 contestants out of 136, bypassing the official jury. “I could not stand before the public and television cameras, pretending to legitimize a vote I never took part in,” Harfouch wrote, suggesting geopolitical sensitivities may have influenced eliminations. He even threatened legal action, citing emotional and reputational harm.
Former French soccer star Claude Makélélé also stepped down, citing “unforeseen personal reasons.” The Miss Universe Organization issued firm denials, stating, “No impromptu jury has been created, that no external group has been authorized to evaluate delegates or select finalists.” They suggested Harfouch’s confusion was over the pageant’s separate social impact initiative.
Falls, Mishaps, and More Controversies
Physical drama added to the spectacle. Miss Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, suffered a fall from the main stage during the preliminary evening gown round, landing her in hospital—though she was reported to be resting and under medical observation. Miss Great Britain, Danielle Latimer, also tripped on stage, later claiming her fall was choreographed as part of her Eliza Doolittle-inspired costume routine.
Meanwhile, the pageant’s global reach meant geopolitics were never far away. Miss Palestine, Nadeen Ayoub, wore a gown featuring the Dome of the Rock, a potent symbol for Muslims worldwide. Miss Israel, Melanie Shiraz, reported receiving death threats after a purportedly hostile glance, which she claimed was a result of misleading editing.
Other incidents rippled through social media: Inna Moll of Chile apologized for a video in which she mimicked snorting white powder, and the winner of Miss Teen Cambodia used her speech to criticize Thailand over border clashes.
Crowning a New Symbol: Fatima Bosch’s Victory
Amid the chaos, Fatima Bosch’s journey was one of resilience. On Friday afternoon, she was crowned Miss Universe 2025, outshining finalists from Ivory Coast, the Philippines, Thailand, and Venezuela. Her win was more than a personal achievement—it was a statement. Bosch had promised to show the world a more appealing side to the pageant, and her stand resonated across social and political spheres.
The pageant, which has faced declining viewership and criticism over objectification, found itself at the heart of a new conversation. Bosch’s voice and actions became a symbol of dignity and empowerment, challenging the pageant’s status quo and spotlighting the importance of respect and women’s rights.
In a moving post-crowning moment, Nawat Itsaragrisil offered a teary apology, saying, “If anyone (was) affected and not comfortable it happened, I am so sorry.” He tried to close the chapter, telling contestants, “It’s passed. OK? Are you happy?”
What’s Next for Miss Universe—and for Bosch?
The Miss Universe Organization now faces renewed scrutiny. Will future competitions be more transparent and respectful? Will organizers listen to contestants’ concerns and adapt to the evolving cultural landscape?
For Bosch, her journey is only beginning. Her voice—clear, dignified, and unbowed—has set a precedent for how women in global competitions can and should respond to disrespect. As President Sheinbaum noted, “We women look more beautiful when we raise our voice and participate, because that has to do with the recognition of our rights.”
And so, the 74th Miss Universe will be remembered not just for its drama, but for a moment when a contestant stood up, spoke out, and changed the narrative.
Fatima Bosch’s victory at Miss Universe 2025 is a watershed moment for global pageantry. Her public stand against bullying and her dignified response to adversity have reframed the competition as a platform for empowerment and advocacy, offering a blueprint for respectful, inclusive events worldwide. As reported by The Guardian, France 24, and NBC News, Bosch’s story is a testament to the power of individual action in transforming cultural institutions.