Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch has been crowned Miss Universe 2025 after a competition marked by controversy, resignations, and allegations of misconduct behind the scenes. The 74th edition of the Miss Universe pageant took place in Bangkok early Friday local time, featuring 120 contestants competing in swimsuit, evening gown, and interview segments.
Bosch, 25, received the crown from Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark. She topped a strong finalist lineup that included Miss Thailand Veena Praveenar Singh as first runner-up, Miss Venezuela Stephany Abasali as second runner-up, and Miss Philippines Ahtisa Manalo in fourth place. Miss Côte d’Ivoire Olivia Yacé rounded out the top group as fourth runner-up.
Bosch’s victory comes after a turbulent start to the pageant. On November 4, a confrontation broke out between Bosch and Miss Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil during a sponsorship event. The exchange, captured on livestream, spread widely across social media after Itsaragrisil criticized the Miss Mexico team and appeared to dismiss Bosch’s attempt to respond. Bosch pushed back, demanding respect and asserting her right to speak. Security was eventually called, prompting several contestants to walk out in solidarity. Although Itsaragrisil apologized the next day, the incident raised concerns about treatment and accountability within the organization.
Tensions escalated further in the days leading up to the finals when composer Omar Harfouch resigned as a judge, claiming the competition was using a “parallel selection committee” that pre-selected contestants independently of the official jury. The Miss Universe Organization refuted the allegation, explaining that the separate committee was part of a charity-oriented program and did not influence pageant scoring. Shortly after Harfouch’s resignation, former French footballer Claude Makélélé also withdrew from the judging panel citing personal reasons.
Despite the turmoil, Bosch pushed forward, declaring in an Instagram post that Mexicans do not give up. Her resilience paid off as she delivered one of the strongest interview performances of the night. Asked about the challenges facing women in 2025, she said women must “speak up” and “make change,” stressing that leadership comes from courage. She also told young girls to “believe in the power of your authenticity” and never doubt their worth.
Bosch becomes the first Miss Universe winner from Tabasco and the first Mexican to win the title since Andrea Meza in 2020. According to her pageant biography, she works in sustainable fashion and volunteers with organizations supporting children with cancer, migrants, and environmental causes.
Eswatini received US$5.1m from US to accept third-country deportees, minister confirms
