Fátima Bosch of Mexico has been crowned Miss Universe 2025, closing a turbulent chapter for a pageant that spent much of the past two weeks under intense global scrutiny. The finale took place in Nonthaburi, Thailand, where Bosch, 25, claimed the crown despite a controversy that nearly derailed her entire campaign.
The win makes her the fourth Mexican contestant to take home the Miss Universe title.
A Pageant Overshadowed by Conflict
This year’s event began with a storm. A livestreamed confrontation between Bosch and the pageant’s director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, went viral after he appeared to insult her intelligence when she declined to take part in a promotional shoot. The clip spread rapidly, sparking outrage across Latin America and prompting several contestants to walk out in protest.
In the days that followed, at least three judges resigned, citing concerns over fairness and the direction of the competition. Former pageant winners also weighed in, calling the behavior “unprofessional” and demanding a formal apology.
The organisation eventually issued a statement acknowledging “missteps” while insisting the competition would move forward as planned.
A Strong Final Performance
Despite the chaos, Bosch delivered one of the night’s strongest performances. Her answer during the final Q&A portion — focused on empowering young women to value their voices — drew loud cheers from the audience and praise from commentators who said she brought calmness and conviction to the stage.
From the evening-gown segment to the close of the final interview, Bosch appeared composed, a noticeable contrast to the tension surrounding the lead-up to the event.
A Symbolic Win for Mexico
For many, Bosch’s victory represents more than a pageant result. It’s being framed as a statement about resilience and standing firm in the face of public criticism. Mexican media has described the win as a moment of “triumph after humiliation,” with supporters calling it a “deserved comeback.”
Around the world, the controversy has reignited conversations about how beauty pageants treat contestants, the role of directors, and the need for transparency in competitions that draw millions of viewers.
What Happens Next
Bosch will spend the next year traveling as part of her Miss Universe duties, promoting education, women’s rights and social causes she has advocated for.
As for the Miss Universe Organisation, pressure is mounting. Calls for internal reforms grew louder after the viral confrontation, and industry watchers expect the organisation to overhaul its conduct rules before next year’s event.
For now, Bosch’s win stands as the defining headline: a crown captured against the odds, at the end of one of the most turbulent Miss Universe seasons in recent memory.
