Fatima Bosch wins Miss Universe following pageant scandal

Photo: REUTERS, photo editor: Serikzhan Kovlanbayev

Fatima Bosch from Mexico won the Miss Universe 2025 title in the finale of one of the year’s most intense beauty pageants, featuring contestants from 120 countries and hosted by Thailand. Bosch, 25, was crowned by last year’s winner, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark, following a series of scandals and controversies, CNN reported.

The final capped three weeks of rehearsals, events and preliminary rounds. Contestants competed in swimwear, evening gown and interview segments. The group was narrowed from 120 to 30, then to 12, and finally to the top five. Bosch stood out to the judges with her message about authenticity and empowerment, telling viewers that dreams and self-worth should never be doubted.

Although the finale was celebratory, the pageant faced several tensions beforehand. Thai pageant director Nawat Itsaragrisil sparked an international scandal by publicly reprimanding Bosch at a pre-pageant meeting, prompting some contestants to walk out in support of her. The Miss Universe Organization later reduced his role and issued a statement condemning the incident.

Other controversies included racist online remarks about Itsaragrisil by former Miss Universe Alicia Machado and the sudden resignation of two judges, one of whom alleged irregularities in the selection process.

The Miss Universe Organization denied claims of improper judging and said the competition followed its usual protocols. The next pageant is set to take place in Puerto Rico.