Crystal Dike
Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch was crowned Miss Universe on Friday in Bangkok, following a tumultuous series of events that began early in November when she walked out of a pre-pageant ceremony after being publicly berated by a Thai organiser.
The 25-year-old left the event after pageant official Nawat Itsaragrasil scolded her for failing to post promotional content and threatened to disqualify contestants who supported her. Several contestants followed her out in solidarity. The Miss Universe Organization later condemned Nawat’s conduct as “malicious.”
Bosch’s win — Mexico’s fourth Miss Universe title — immediately divided opinion online. Many celebrated her victory, while others suggested her crowning was an attempt to repair reputational damage from the earlier confrontation. Miss Thailand Praveenar Singh was named first runner-up, followed by Miss Venezuela Stephany Abasali, Miss Philippines Ma Ahtisa Manalo and Miss Côte d’Ivoire Olivia Yacé.
The pageant faced further controversy when two judges resigned ahead of the finals. Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch alleged that an “impromptu jury” had pre-selected finalists. Former French footballer Claude Makelele also withdrew, citing “unforeseen personal reasons.” The Miss Universe Organization rejected the allegations of rigging, insisting no external group had been authorised to evaluate contestants.
During Wednesday’s preliminary evening gown round, Miss Jamaica fell onstage and had to be carried out on a stretcher. Organisers later said she was hospitalised but had no broken bones and was “under good care.”
This year’s event unfolded under a split leadership structure. Nawat, founder of Miss Grand International, hosted the pageant under a Thai licence, while businessman Raul Rocha oversaw the Miss Universe Organization from Mexico after taking charge shortly before the competition began.
The changes followed the 2023 bankruptcy of JKN Global, led by Thai media mogul Anne Jakrajutatip, who purchased Miss Universe in 2022 and introduced inclusivity reforms before resigning ahead of this year’s contest.
Friday’s ceremony marked the 74th Miss Universe crown awarded since the pageant’s inception in 1952.