In a stunning victory that captivated audiences worldwide, Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch was crowned Miss Universe 2025 during a ceremony held in Nonthaburi, north of Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, November 21, 2025. Her win comes just weeks after a viral confrontation with a pageant executive threatened to overshadow her competition.
From Controversy to Crown
The road to the crown was anything but smooth for Bosch. The Miss Universe Organization found itself embroiled in controversy ahead of the final pageant after a November 4 livestream on Miss Universe Thailand's Facebook page showed pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly scolding the Mexican delegate.
Itsaragrisil accused Bosch of refusing to participate in a photo shoot and failing to promote the host country, allegations she staunchly denied. The exchange turned hostile when he insulted her intelligence, prompting a powerful show of solidarity. Reigning titleholder Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark and numerous other contestants dramatically walked out of the event in support of Bosch.
Shortly after the incident, Bosch spoke out, stating clearly, "Your director is not respectful. He called me dumb." The Miss Universe Organization later issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to "collaboration, respect, and opportunity for women around the world."
A Pageant Fraught with Challenges
The controversy surrounding Bosch was not the only challenge the 2025 pageant faced. Mere days before the main event, judge Omar Harfouch resigned from the official jury, claiming the finalists had been pre-selected by an "impromptu jury," casting a shadow over the competition's integrity.
Then, during the evening gown competition held on Thursday, November 20, tragedy struck when Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry suffered a frightening fall from the stage. Video footage showed the contestant being taken away on a stretcher and rushed to a hospital. Henry was notably absent from the finale, and her current condition remains unknown.
A Triumphant Conclusion
Despite the pre-pageant turmoil, the finale proceeded, culminating in Bosch's triumphant victory. She succeeds Denmark's Theilvig, who was present to pass on the coveted crown.
The final rankings saw Miss Thailand Praveenar Singh clinch the position of first runner-up. Miss Venezuela Stephany Abasali secured third place, followed by Miss Philippines Ma Ahtisa Manalo in fourth, and Miss Cote d'Ivoire Olivia Yace rounding out the top five.
For Fatima Bosch, the crown represents a powerful "last laugh" after a very public attempt to undermine her pageant journey, proving that resilience can lead to the ultimate prize on the global stage.
