Mexican Beauty Queen Triumphs Amid Controversy at Miss Universe 2025

Fátima Bosch Fernández of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025 on Friday in Bangkok, culminating a pageant marked by controversy and feminist solidarity. The 25-year-old’s victory came after she stood up to public bullying from one of the event’s hosts, turning what could have been a personal setback into a powerful statement about women’s dignity.

When Bosch was announced as the winner, the audience erupted in cheers, with enthusiastic supporters waving Mexican flags throughout the venue. Her win represents not only a personal achievement but also a symbolic victory against intimidation.

“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,” Bosch told media after her coronation. She characterized the pageant as “a platform that is strong because they have the space that women are searching to have a voice.”

The dramatic victory followed a contentious incident earlier in the competition that thrust Bosch into the spotlight for reasons beyond her beauty and poise. During the livestreamed sashing ceremony on November 4, Thai national director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly berated Bosch, allegedly for not following his guidelines for promotional activities. When she attempted to defend herself, Nawat called security.

In a show of remarkable courage, Bosch walked out of the room, joined by several fellow contestants in solidarity, including the reigning Miss Universe 2024, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark.

“What your director did is not respectful: He called me dumb,” Bosch later told Thai reporters. “If it takes away your dignity, you need to go.” Nawat has since denied calling her “dumb.”

The incident quickly escalated beyond the pageant world. Raúl Rocha Cantú, president of the Miss Universe Organization and a Mexican businessman, issued a statement condemning Nawat’s behavior as “public aggression” and “serious abuse.”

The controversy even drew comment from Mexico’s first woman president, Claudia Sheinbaum, who praised Bosch for voicing her disagreement in a “dignified” manner. “It seems to me that it is an example of how women should raise our voices,” Sheinbaum said during a news conference in Mexico City.

The president recalled being told in the past that “women look more beautiful when they keep quiet,” countering with her own perspective: “We women look more beautiful when we raise our voice and participate, because that has to do with the recognition of our rights.”

Following the backlash, Nawat offered an apology that struck many as halfhearted. “If anyone was affected and not comfortable it happened, I am so sorry,” he said to the contestants, before adding, “It’s passed. OK? Are you happy?”

According to her official Miss Universe biography, Bosch studied fashion in Mexico and Italy, focusing on sustainable designs and working with discarded materials. Her humanitarian efforts include volunteering with sick children, promoting environmental awareness, and supporting migrants and mental health initiatives.

The 74th Miss Universe pageant faced additional controversies beyond the Bosch incident. Two judges reportedly quit the competition, with one suggesting potential manipulation in the contest – an allegation organizers denied. Separately, Thai police investigated allegations of illegal promotion of online casinos as part of the event’s publicity.

Praveenar Singh of Thailand was named first runner-up, while Stephany Adriana Abasali Nasser of Venezuela placed third. Ahtisa Manalo of the Philippines and Olivia Yacé of Ivory Coast rounded out the top five.

The Miss Universe pageant has faced criticism in previous years as well, including backlash over the 2021 event held in Israel, which drew objections from supporters of the Palestinian cause.

Even as the competition strives to modernize its image in changing times, it remains a platform where moments of courage – like Bosch’s stand against disrespect – can resonate far beyond the world of beauty pageants.