In a finale that capped weeks of unprecedented drama, Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, was crowned Miss Universe 2025 at the 74th edition of the global pageant in Bangkok, Thailand. Her victory came after a tumultuous competition period riddled with public feuds, accusations of vote rigging, and on-stage accidents.
A Pageant in Damage Control
The road to the crown was anything but smooth. Just hours before the final walk on Friday, the Miss Universe Organization issued a public statement attempting to quell a growing storm of controversy. "In light of recent public statements and social media posts, the Miss Universe Organization considers it necessary to clarify certain inaccuracies," the statement began, primarily addressing allegations of vote manipulation.
The chaos had ignited earlier in November when the reigning Miss Mexico herself, Fatima Bosch, publicly accused the pageant's Thai director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, of insulting her and calling her a "dumbhead". In a powerful act of solidarity, Bosch walked out, followed by several fellow contestants—a moment captured on a live stream.
Bosch later told reporters that the treatment she received lacked respect, asserting that "the world needs to see this." Her stance was backed by the then-reigning Miss Universe, Victoria Theilvig, who stated, "This is about women’s rights. To trash another girl, it’s beyond disrespectful." The incident even drew support from the Mexican president, Claudia Sheinbaum, who called Bosch an "example of how we women should speak out."
Resignations, Falls, and Political Statements
The controversy deepened significantly in the days leading up to the final. Omar Harfouch, a French-Lebanese musician and one of the eight judges, resigned, claiming a "secret vote" had been used to pre-select 30 contestants from the 136 competitors two days before the final. He stated via Instagram that he could not legitimise a vote he did not take part in.
On the same day, former French footballer Claude Makelele also stepped down as a judge, citing "unforeseen personal reasons." The Miss Universe Organization responded by refuting Harfouch's claims as "inaccuracies," suggesting his confusion stemmed from a separate social impact initiative.
The stage itself proved to be a hazard. During the preliminary competition's evening gown round, Miss Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, fell from the main stage and was hospitalised. Separately, Miss Great Britain, Danielle Latimer, tripped and fell flat during the national costume presentation, though she later claimed the fall was choreographed.
Geopolitical tensions also surfaced. The inaugural Miss Palestine, Nadeen Ayoub, wore a gown featuring the Dome of Rock, while Miss Israel, Melanie Shiraz, claimed to have received death threats after a moment of purported "side-eye" was blamed on misleading editing. Further scandals included the Chilean delegate, Inna Moll, apologising for mimicking snorting a white powder in a TikTok video, and the Miss Teen Cambodia winner using her speech to accuse Thailand of instigating border clashes.
Triumph After the Turmoil
Despite the chaotic and controversial run-up, the 74th Miss Universe pageant reached its climax on Friday evening. Fatima Bosch, who had been at the centre of the initial storm, ultimately triumphed, beating the crowd favourite, Miss Thailand, to claim the coveted title.
Her victory served as a powerful conclusion to a narrative that began with a public stand against disrespect, seemingly fulfilling her promise to show the world a more dignified side of the modern pageant world. The crown for Miss Universe 2025 was secured, but it was the weeks of drama that truly defined this year's event.
