Fatima Bosch, a 25-year-old humanitarian and volunteer from Mexico, was crowned Miss Universe 2025 in a competition that was marred by controversy but saw her emerge as a fan favorite after a Thai pageant director publicly berated her during a pre-pageant meeting, triggering a walkout by contestants. The incident drew global attention and backlash, including from Mexico's president, who described it as an "aggression" that Bosch handled with "dignity."
The Miss Universe competition, widely known as the "Super Bowl" of beauty pageants, drew millions of viewers each year and featured representatives from 120 countries. Thailand, this year's host country, has a vibrant and lucrative pageant industry with one of the largest fanbases in Asia, alongside the Philippines.
On the night of the finale, hosted by American comedian Steve Byrne and opened with a performance by Thai singer Jeff Satur, the top 30 contestants were narrowed down to 12 and then to 5 after the evening round. Finalists were asked questions about global issues they would speak about in front of the United Nations General Assembly and how they would use the Miss Universe platform to empower young girls. "Believe in the power of your authenticity," Bosch said. "Your dreams matter, your heart matters. Never let anyone make you doubt your worth."
The competition took place over three weeks, with delegates traveling around the country to rehearse and participate in events. On Wednesday, the beauty queens competed in the national costume showcase, which saw contestants donning flamboyant outfits designed to highlight their homelands. Miss USA, Audrey Eckert, paid homage to her home with an elaborate bald eagle costume designed by Simon Villalba.
However, the week leading up to coronation night was beset by controversy and internal drama. At a live-streamed pre-pageant meeting, Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly scolded Bosch for not posting enough promotional content, apparently calling her a "dumbhead." When Bosch pushed back against the insults, Nawat called security to escort her out of the room, and other contestants then stood up and walked out in solidarity.
The incident sparked global conversations over the merits of the international beauty pageant which claims to promote female empowerment. The Miss Universe Organization condemned Nawat's behavior and limited his role in the pageant. Nawat apologized in a livestreamed welcome ceremony and declined to comment further on the incident to CNN.
Two judges also stepped down from the competition days before the winner was crowned. Composer Omar Harfouch resigned from the eight-member judging panel, claiming there was a secret, "impromptu" panel of judges who had pre-selected the top 30 contestants in advance of the final. The Miss Universe Organization firmly clarified that no impromptu jury had been created and all competition evaluations continued to follow established, transparent, and supervised protocols.
Next year's Miss Universe contest will take place in Puerto Rico.
