Fátima Bosch Fernández of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025 on Friday, a landmark victory for the 25-year-old at the center of the controversial 74th edition of the pageant in Bangkok, who notably confronted public bullying from one of the hosts, reports Baltimore Chronicle, with a link to the Associated Press.
The first runner-up was 29-year-old Praveenar Singh of Thailand, while 25-year-old Stephany Adriana Abasali Nasser of Venezuela finished third. Other finalists included Ahtisa Manalo, 28, from the Philippines, and 27-year-old Olivia Yacé from Ivory Coast, who placed fifth.
Tensions emerged during the event after Bosch was sharply criticized by Thai national director Nawat Itsaragrisil for allegedly not following local promotional guidelines during the livestreamed sashing ceremony on November 4. Bosch spoke up to defend herself, prompting Itsaragrisil to call security. In response, Bosch walked out, joined by several contestants in solidarity, including Miss Universe 2024, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark.
Bosch told Thai reporters, “What your director did is not respectful: he called me dumb. If it takes away your dignity, you need to go.” The Miss Universe Organization president, Raúl Rocha Cantú, condemned the director’s conduct as “public aggression” and “serious abuse.”
Even Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, publicly praised Bosch for asserting herself in a “dignified” manner. Sheinbaum emphasized that women should raise their voices and actively participate, countering the outdated notion that “women look more beautiful when they keep quiet.”
Nawat later issued an apology, appearing both tearful and defiant: “If anyone (was) affected and not comfortable it happened, I am so sorry. It’s passed. OK? Are you happy?”
Bosch’s official Miss Universe biography highlights her background in fashion studies in Mexico and Italy, her focus on sustainable design and repurposed materials, and her volunteer work with sick children, environmental initiatives, migrant support, and mental health projects.
This year’s competition faced additional controversies, including reports of two judges resigning over alleged rigging, an accusation which was denied, and an investigation by Thai authorities into alleged illegal online casino promotions associated with the event. Minor incidents also occurred, such as Miss Universe Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, falling off the stage during the evening gown segment, though she was unharmed.
Earlier we wrote that Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death for Crimes Against Humanity in Bangladesh Protest Crackdown.
