Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch Fernández, has been crowned Miss Universe 2025 after one of the most turbulent editions of the pageant, marked by walkouts, judge resignations and accusations of misconduct. The 25-year-old’s win in Bangkok comes after a series of dramatic events that drew global attention to how women in the competition were being treated.
What was the controversy?
The controversy began on November 4 during the livestreamed sashing ceremony, where Thai national director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly scolded Fátima for allegedly not posting enough promotional content.
When she tried to defend herself, Nawat called security. Fátima walked out, soon followed by several contestants, including former Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig, in a show of solidarity. Speaking to Thai reporters, Fátima said: “What your director did is not respectful: he called me dumb. If it takes away your dignity, you need to go.”
Nawat’s conduct was condemned by Miss Universe Organisation president Raúl Rocha Cantú, who called it “public aggression” and “serious abuse.” Mexico’s first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, also publicly supported Fátima, praising her for speaking “in a dignified way” and saying, “It seems to me that it is an example of how women should raise our voices.”
She recalled being told in the past that “women look more beautiful when they keep quiet,” but added, “We women look more beautiful when we raise our voice and participate, because that has to do with the recognition of our rights.”
During the ceremony, Nawat addressed the controversy and issued an emotional apology in Thai, saying: “If anyone (was) affected and not comfortable, it happened, I am so sorry,” before adding, “It’s passed. OK? Are you happy?”
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The chaos deepened when two judges resigned, with one alleging the competition was fixed, a claim denied by the organisation. Thai police also began looking into allegations that illegal online casinos were being promoted as part of the event’s publicity.
Despite the uproar, Fátima emerged victorious. Praveenar Singh of Thailand placed second, while Adriana Abasali Nasser of Venezuela finished third. The remaining runners-up were Ahtisa Manalo of the Philippines and Olivia Yacé of the Ivory Coast.
