Fátima Bosch Fernández of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025 in Bangkok, overcoming public bullying and controversy during the competition.
BANGKOK — Fátima Bosch Fernández, representing Mexico, was crowned Miss Universe 2025 on Friday in a finale marked by emotion and drama. The 25-year-old not only triumphed in the pageant but also emerged from a week filled with controversy, having stood up against public mistreatment from one of the event’s hosts.
This year’s 74th edition of the Miss Universe competition took a turbulent turn during a livestreamed sashing ceremony on November 4. Bosch faced sharp criticism from Thai national director Nawat Itsaragrisil, who accused her of failing to adhere to his promotional instructions. In a bold move, Bosch defended herself, prompting Itsaragrisil to call for security to remove her from the stage. Unintimidated, Bosch walked out, joined by several other contestants, including Miss Universe 2024, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark.
“What your director did is not respectful. He called me dumb,” Bosch told reporters after the incident. “If something violates your dignity, you must walk away.” Nawat denied using the term “dumb,” but the backlash against him quickly escalated.
The global support for Bosch was overwhelming. Raúl Rocha Cantú, president of the Miss Universe Organization, condemned Nawat’s actions as “public aggression” and “serious abuse.” The incident even drew praise from Mexico’s newly elected president, Claudia Sheinbaum, who commended Bosch’s courage, stating, “This is an example of how women must raise our voices. We look more beautiful not when we stay quiet, but when we speak up for our rights.”
In a later speech, Nawat offered a half-hearted apology, saying, “If anyone was uncomfortable, I am sorry,” before adding, “It’s passed. OK? Are you happy?” This response did little to quell the outrage surrounding the incident.
Fátima Bosch’s background is as impressive as her victory. According to her official Miss Universe profile, she studied fashion in both Mexico and Italy, specializes in sustainable and upcycled designs, and has volunteered with sick children. Additionally, she is an advocate for environmental causes and supports initiatives related to migrants and mental health.
Despite the controversies surrounding this year’s competition, including the resignation of two judges who alleged manipulation of the contest—claims the organization has denied—and an investigation by Thai police into potential links between pageant promotions and illegal online casinos, Bosch’s crowning became the defining moment of the night. Her victory was celebrated as a testament to resilience, dignity, and the global support for women who dare to speak out.
In the final results, Bosch was named the winner, with Praveenar Singh of Thailand as the first runner-up and Stephany Adriana Abasali Nasser of Venezuela taking the second runner-up position. The top five also included Ahtisa Manalo from the Philippines and Olivia Yacé from the Ivory Coast.
As the arena erupted in cheers and Mexican flags waved throughout the crowd, Bosch expressed her hopes to be remembered as “someone who helped redefine the Miss Universe prototype — a real person who leads with heart.” She emphasized the importance of the competition as a platform for women to claim their space and be heard.
Fátima Bosch’s journey to the crown is not just a personal victory; it symbolizes a broader movement for respect and empowerment among women globally.
Source: Original article