Mexico’s Fátima Bosch Fernández has been crowned Miss Universe 2025 in Bangkok — the finale of a pageant overshadowed by a remarkable series of controversies, resignations and dramatic moments that dominated global headlines long before the winner was announced.
Bosch, 25, earned the title after a turbulent three weeks that saw allegations of bullying, judges quitting, accusations of vote-rigging, geopolitical tensions, online harassment, staged drug-use videos, and even a contestant rushed away on a stretcher.
Bosch’s Stand Against Bullying Becomes Defining Moment
The drama began Nov. 4 at the livestreamed sashing ceremony when Thai national director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly berated Bosch for allegedly not following local promotional protocols. When Bosch defended herself, Nawat called security — prompting Bosch and several contestants, including Miss Universe 2024, to walk out in protest.
“What your director did is not respectful … he called me dumb,” Bosch said afterward. “If it takes away your dignity, you need to go.”
MUO President Raúl Rocha Cantú condemned Nawat’s conduct as “public aggression” and “serious abuse,” while Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum praised Bosch for her “dignified” response. Nawat later issued a tearful but awkward apology.
Judges Resign, One Alleges Rigged Voting
Two judges abruptly withdrew this week — one claiming the competition was rigged.
Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch said a “secret vote” was held to pre-select 30 contestants, allegedly involving people outside the official judging panel. MUO denied the allegation, saying Harfouch misunderstood an independent program unrelated to the main competition, and threatened legal action if he continued using Miss Universe branding.
A second judge, Claude Makélélé, left citing personal reasons.
Tensions Between Miss Palestine and Miss Israel Spark Death Threats
This year marked the first appearance of a Miss Palestine contestant. Miss Israel Melanie Shiraz said she received death threats after an edited video appeared to show her giving Miss Palestine Nadeen Ayoub a hostile look. Shiraz said the clip was manipulated and misrepresented what happened.
Fake Drug Use, Coaching Questions and a Hospitalization
Other scandals included:
- Chilean contestant Inna Moll apologizing for a video jokingly pretending to snort white makeup powder.
- Canadian influence: former Miss Universe Natalie Glebova serving as a last-minute replacement judge while also coaching Miss Canada Jaime VandenBerg — raising conflict-of-interest questions.
- Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry falling off the stage during preliminaries and being taken away on a stretcher. She suffered no fractures but missed subsequent events.
Despite the Chaos, a Clear Winner Emerges
Through the noise, Bosch remained a frontrunner — admired for grace under pressure after standing her ground during the sashing confrontation. Her win was met with thunderous applause in Bangkok, where she was crowned amid both celebration and relief.
Miss Universe 2025 will likely be remembered as one of the most chaotic editions in its 74-year history — a year when backstage turmoil nearly overshadowed the crown itself.