Fátima Bosch, the newly crowned Miss Universe, has publicly addressed swirling rumours that her victory was influenced by a viral confrontation with a pageant official and her father's business connections. Bosch, who represents Mexico, was crowned on November 21, 2025, in Thailand, but her win has been clouded by controversy.
Confrontation and Viral Walkout
The controversy began during the first day of the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand last month. Nawat Itsaragrisil, a pageant executive and Thai media personality, argued with Bosch over a sponsorship event. During the dispute, Itsaragrisil called Bosch a "dumb head" and attempted to call security on her. In response, Bosch walked out in protest, an act of defiance that was followed by several other contestants in a show of solidarity. The moment quickly spread across social media.
Following her win, some critics suggested the pageant organization favoured Bosch because of the incident, rewarding her for speaking out. In an interview with ABC News that aired this Tuesday, Bosch responded to these claims. "I think I made history, so why not," she said, referencing the impact of her stand. "But of course, no, I make the same effort that all the pageant [contestants] make, and this is our job."
Bosch revealed she felt Itsaragrisil wanted to "humiliate" her and admitted she was "scared" to confront him. "I couldn't stay quiet because in every case, your dignity is more important than any prize or any dream that you have," she stated firmly. Itsaragrisil publicly apologized during a news conference the day after the incident.
Further Controversy: Secret Votes and Family Ties
The pageant faced additional scrutiny when Omar Harfouch, a Lebanese-French composer and Miss Universe judge, stepped down from the panel. Last month, he claimed on Instagram that individuals not on the official judging panel held a "secret vote" to pre-select the top 30 contestants. "I could not stand before the public and television cameras, pretending to legitimize a vote I never took part in," Harfouch wrote, expressing concern over the geopolitical implications of such a process.
The Miss Universe organization denied any "secret vote," stating the vote in question was for an independent social impact initiative. Bosch dismissed Harfouch's complaint, suggesting to ABC News that he was primarily seeking Instagram followers.
Further speculation arose from reports that Bosch's father, an oil executive, had done business with the pageant's co-owner, Raul Rocha, who is embroiled in past scandals. Critics wondered if this connection played a role in her victory. Bosch categorically denied this. "My father has nothing to do with the organization," she told ABC News. "And it's crazy. How are you going to buy a crown? Maybe in Walmart, you can buy a crown, yeah. But not in Miss Universe, that's for sure."
Standing Firm in Her Purpose
Amid the storm of allegations, Fátima Bosch has made it clear she has no intention of relinquishing her Miss Universe title. She framed her participation in the competition as part of a larger mission. "I'm not here for fame or modeling or searching for a husband," Bosch declared. "I'm here because God put a purpose on my heart. I have a mission, and I will do that all the years, to serve others, to help."
Her statements aim to shift the focus from the controversies surrounding her win to the service-oriented role she intends to fulfill during her reign.
