The Miss Universe 2025 crown has been awarded to Fátima Bosch of Mexico, marking a historic moment for the international beauty competition. The announcement came during the 74th Miss Universe final, held at Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi, Thailand, where contestants from over 130 countries competed for the coveted title under the theme, “The Power of Love.”
While Bosch’s victory is a celebratory moment for her and her country, the lead-up to this year’s pageant was far from smooth. The competition faced significant controversy and drama, including a viral confrontation involving pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil and the resignation of several judges just days before the finale.
Viral Confrontation Before the Pageant
On November 4, 2025, a livestream went viral showing Nawat Itsaragrisil scolding Bosch, allegedly for refusing to participate in a pre-pageant social media photo shoot. Bosch denied the claims, but the confrontation prompted several contestants to walk out in solidarity with her.
In an Instagram video shared by pageantry accounts, Bosch spoke candidly about the incident, stating, “Your director is not respectful. He called me dumb.”
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) later addressed the incident, with President Raul Rocha Cantu expressing support for the contestants and emphasizing respect and fairness. “Unfortunately, Nawat has forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host,” Rocha said.
Judge Resignations and Alleged Conflicts of Interest
Tensions escalated further when Omar Harfouch, a judge on the official Miss Universe selection committee, resigned days before the event. Harfouch claimed that an “impromptu jury” was formed to select 30 finalists from the 136 participating countries, raising concerns over transparency and fairness.
Harfouch also alleged conflicts of interest, stating that some individuals involved in the unofficial panel had personal relationships with contestants, including the person managing the vote count. The MUO responded, affirming that all evaluations adhered to established protocols and denying the creation of any impromptu judging group.
Further resignations included former French soccer pro Claude Makélélé and Princess Camilla di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, president of the selection committee. To maintain fairness, the pageant appointed new judges, such as Natalie Glebova, though questions arose as she had previously coached Miss Canada, Jaime VandenBerg.
Fátima Bosch’s Historic Win
Despite the controversies, Fátima Bosch emerged victorious, proudly representing Mexico on the global stage. Her crowning marked a triumphant moment after weeks of challenges and public scrutiny. Bosch celebrated her achievement among the top five finalists during the live event, showcasing grace and confidence.
Last year’s titleholder, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark, who made history as the first Danish winner of the Miss Universe pageant in 2024, passed on the crown to Bosch. Theilvig, 21, had been crowned by Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, the 2023 Miss Universe winner, highlighting the pageant’s ongoing international legacy.
The Broader Implications
The events leading up to Miss Universe 2025 have sparked conversations about transparency, fairness, and respect in beauty pageants. Bosch’s victory serves as a reminder of resilience and determination in the face of adversity, both for contestants and the pageant industry as a whole.
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