Miss Universe Crowned After Tumultuous Competition
In a stunning conclusion to a competition rocked by scandal, Fatima Bosch Fernandez from Mexico has been crowned Miss Universe 2025. The 25-year-old's victory in Bangkok caps off a dramatic period for the pageant, which was overshadowed by public confrontations, resignations, and a powerful conversation about the treatment of women.
A Pageant Erupts in Controversy
The turbulence began earlier in November when the pageant's Thai national director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, publicly scolded Ms Bosch in front of dozens of contestants. The incident occurred during a livestreamed ceremony on November 4. Nawat reprimanded her for allegedly failing to follow instructions related to local promotional events.
When Ms Bosch attempted to defend herself, Nawat called for security. In a powerful act of defiance, she walked out of the room. Her stance inspired a show of solidarity, with other contestants, including the reigning Miss Universe, joining her. Reporters at the event claimed one organiser had even called Ms Bosch a "dumbhead", to which she responded, "You are not respecting me as a woman."
The controversy deepened a week later when two judges resigned. One judge went so far as to allege that the competition's outcome had been fixed by organisers, throwing the pageant's integrity into question.
Global Reaction and a Dignified Response
The incident garnered international attention and sparked a discussion on women using their voices. Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico's first woman president, publicly praised Miss Mexico. At a news conference, she gave "recognition" to Ms Bosch for voicing her disagreement in a "dignified" way.
President Sheinbaum stated, "It seems to me that it is an example of how women should raise our voices." She added, "We women look more beautiful when we raise our voice and participate, because that has to do with the recognition of our rights."
Facing mounting pressure, Nawat later issued an apology to the contestants, appearing both tearful and defiant. He said, "If anyone was affected or felt uncomfortable by what happened, I am so sorry." He then turned to the contestants and asked, "It's passed. OK? Are you happy?"
The Final Results and Past Mishaps
Despite the off-stage drama, the competition proceeded. The final results saw Praveenar Singh, 29, of Thailand, as the first runner-up. Stephany Adriana Abasali Nasser, 25, of Venezuela, took third place. Completing the top five were Ahtisa Manalo, 28, of the Philippines, and Olivia Yace, 27, of Ivory Coast.
This is not the first time the Miss Universe pageant has faced difficulties. The 2021 edition was heavily criticised for being hosted in Israel, upsetting supporters of the Palestinian cause. Furthermore, during this year's event, Miss Universe Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, slipped and fell off the stage during the evening gown segment, though she escaped serious injury.
