BANGKOK: Mexico’s Fatima Bosch was crowned Miss Universe 2025 on Friday in a contest overshadowed by disputes, walkouts and last-minute resignations,
CNN reported.
The 25-year-old humanitarian and volunteer secured the title after emerging as a fan favourite following a widely criticised confrontation with a Thai pageant director.
She received her crown from last year’s winner, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark, at the finale hosted by American comedian Steve Byrne here.
Thailand’s Praveenar Singh finished as runner-up, with Venezuela’s Stephany Abasali, the Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo and Ivory Coast’s Olivia Yacé completing the top five.
This year’s competition featured 120 delegates, including Nadeen Ayoub, who became the first woman to represent the Palestinian people and made it to the top 30.
The pageant unfolded over three weeks and included national costume showcases, preliminary rounds and rehearsals held across several Thai cities.
One contestant, Jamaica’s Gabrielle Henry, was injured during the evening gown preliminaries and was later reported by Miss Universe President Raul Rocha to be “under good care” in hospital.
The contest was marred by a livestreamed incident in which Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil berated Bosch for not posting enough promotional content, prompting multiple contestants to walk out in solidarity.
The Miss Universe Organization later limited Nawat’s role, while separate allegations erupted after former Miss Universe Alicia Machado made racist remarks during an Instagram livestream.
Further controversy erupted when two judges, composer Omar Harfouch and former French footballer Claude Makélélé, resigned days before the finale, with Harfouch alleging the pageant was “rigged” — a claim the organisation firmly denied.
Miss Universe will head to Puerto Rico next year under new CEO Mario Búcaro, who took over after former owner Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip stepped down amid corporate turmoil.
