On a night charged with emotion and controversy, Fátima Bosch Fernández of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025, marking a dramatic turn in the storied history of the beauty pageant. The 74th staging of Miss Universe, held in Bangkok on November 21, 2025, will be remembered not only for its glittering gowns and dazzling performances, but for a fierce stand against public bullying and a show of solidarity that reverberated far beyond the stage.
Bosch, just 25 years old, found herself thrust into the spotlight long before she donned the coveted crown. The trouble began during a livestreamed sashing ceremony on November 4, when Nawat Itsaragrisil, the Thai national director and a pageant executive, publicly berated Bosch for allegedly not following guidelines related to local promotional activities. According to NBC News, the confrontation escalated when Nawat called security to escort Bosch out after she defended herself. The moment, captured on video and widely shared, stunned viewers and contestants alike.
But Bosch was not alone. In a rare demonstration of unity, several contestants—including Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark, the reigning Miss Universe 2024—walked out in solidarity with Bosch. The walkout sent a clear message: respect and dignity were non-negotiable, even in the high-pressure world of international pageantry. As Bosch later told Thai reporters, "What your director did is not respectful: He called me dumb. If it takes away your dignity, you need to go." Her words, as reported by the Associated Press, struck a chord with many watching the drama unfold.
Back home, the controversy caught the attention of Mexico’s first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum. At a news conference in Mexico City, Sheinbaum praised Bosch’s courage, saying, "It seems to me that it is an example of how women should raise our voices." Sheinbaum continued, "We women look more beautiful when we raise our voice and participate, because that has to do with the recognition of our rights." Her remarks, cited by NBC News and the Associated Press, echoed Bosch’s own determination to be more than just a face in the crowd.
Bosch herself was unwavering in her resolve. In an interview translated from Spanish and shared on Instagram, she declared, "I just want to let my country know, I'm not afraid to make my voice heard. It's here stronger than ever. I have a purpose. I have things to say." She added, "I’m not a doll to be made up, styled and have my clothes changed. I came here to be a voice for all the women and all the girls who fight for causes and to tell my country that I’m completely committed to that." Her words, widely quoted in E! News and NBC News, resonated with supporters and critics alike.
The fallout from the incident was swift. The Miss Universe Organization’s president, Raúl Rocha Cantú of Mexico, issued a statement condemning Nawat’s conduct as "public aggression" and "serious abuse." Nawat, for his part, later appeared in front of the contestants to offer a tearful apology, saying, "If anyone (was) affected and not comfortable it happened, I am so sorry." Turning to the contestants, he added, "It’s passed. OK? Are you happy?" The apology, though emotional, left some wondering whether the wounds could truly be healed.
Yet the turbulence did not end there. The pageant, which has faced its share of controversies over the decades—from criticism of its objectification of women to debates over its relevance—was rocked further when two judges resigned mid-competition. As reported by NBC News, one judge, Omar Harfouch, accused the organizers of rigging the contest, claiming there had been a "secret vote" to preselect the top contestants. He even threatened legal action against the Miss Universe Organization, citing emotional trauma and reputational damage. Another judge, former French soccer star Claude Makélélé, stepped down citing "unforeseen personal reasons." The organization denied any wrongdoing, insisting there was no impromptu jury or irregularities in the selection process.
Despite the storm swirling around her, Bosch’s victory was met with jubilation. As her name was announced, cheers and screams erupted from the audience, with Mexican flags waving and supporters celebrating. According to the Associated Press, Bosch later reflected on her win, saying she hoped 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." She called the pageant "a platform that is strong because they have the space that women are searching to have a voice."
Bosch’s official Miss Universe biography highlights her commitment to social causes, noting her studies in fashion in Mexico and Italy, her work with sustainable designs using discarded materials, and her volunteer efforts with sick children, migrants, and mental health awareness. Her journey to the crown was certainly not a conventional one, but it was one that inspired many.
The competition itself was not without its lighter moments—or mishaps. During the preliminary evening gown competition on November 19, Miss Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, took a dramatic tumble off the stage. Footage shared on social media showed her being rushed to aid before she was carried off on a stretcher. Fortunately, as pageant co-owner Raúl Rocha shared in an Instagram post, "I have just left the hospital where she is being treated. I was there with her family and her, and thankfully, there are no broken bones and she is under good care. She will remain under observation for the rest of the night and we will remain in touch with her family to support her." He added, "Our prayers go out for her prompt recovery." According to E! News, Henry was expected to make a full recovery.
This year’s Miss Universe also drew attention from authorities for other reasons. Thai police launched an investigation into the alleged illegal promotion of online casinos tied to the event’s publicity, though details remained scant as of press time. Meanwhile, the pageant’s legacy—founded in 1952 by a Californian swimwear brand and formerly partly owned by Donald Trump from 1996 to 2022—continued to be debated by those who question its place in modern society.
As the dust settles on a pageant unlike any before, Fátima Bosch Fernández stands as a symbol of resilience and change. Her journey from public humiliation to global recognition has sparked conversations about dignity, solidarity, and the evolving role of women’s voices on the world stage. For Bosch and her supporters, the crown is more than just a tiara—it’s a testament to the power of standing up and speaking out, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
