Fatima Bosch Wins Miss Universe 2025 After Stunning Walkout

The Crown and the Controversy: Fatima Bosch's Miss Universe Victory

In a night filled with unprecedented drama, Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch Fernández was crowned Miss Universe 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. Her victory wasn't just a celebration of beauty and poise; it was the culmination of a pageant season rocked by scandal, solidarity, and accusations of organizational chaos. Bosch, 25, became Mexico's fourth Miss Universe, but her journey to the crown was anything but ordinary.

The Walkout That Shook Bangkok

The controversy ignited in early November during a pre-pageant sashing ceremony. Thai media mogul and pageant organizer Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly berated Bosch in front of dozens of contestants. He accused her of failing to adequately promote the event on social media, allegedly calling her "dumb" when she objected. The confrontation escalated when Nawat summoned security and threatened to disqualify any contestant who supported her.

In a powerful act of defiance and solidarity, Bosch walked out of the room. Her courage sparked an immediate and widespread show of support. Fellow contestants, including last year's winner, Denmark's Victoria Kjær Theilvig, joined her in solidarity, staging a mass walkout that made headlines globally. "I just want to let my country know, I'm not afraid to make my voice heard," Bosch stated. "I'm not a doll to be made up, styled and have my clothes changed. I came here to be a voice for all the women and all the girls who fight for causes."

The Miss Universe Organization swiftly condemned Nawat's behavior as "malicious." Mexican businessman and pageant co-owner Raúl Rocha publicly confronted his Thai partner, demanding he "stop." Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised Bosch as an "example of how we women should speak out" in the face of aggression, declaring that "women look more beautiful when we raise our voice and participate."

A Pageant Plunged into Disarray

The walkout proved to be just the opening act in a series of crises that plagued the 2025 competition. A week later, the situation deteriorated further when two judges resigned under a cloud of suspicion. Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch stepped down, alleging organizers had rigged the competition. He claimed an "impromptu jury" had pre-selected finalists ahead of the finals, even threatening legal action. Hours later, former French football star Claude Makelelé also resigned, citing "unforeseen personal reasons."

The Miss Universe Organization vehemently denied Harfouch's rigging claims, stating "no external group has been authorised to evaluate delegates or select finalists." Despite the denial, the accusations severely damaged the pageant's integrity, coming just before the final competition.

Adding to the turmoil, Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry suffered a frightening fall during the preliminary evening gown round. Walking the runway in a stunning orange gown, she accidentally fell off the raised platform. Video footage showed contestants and staff rushing to her aid before she was stretchered out. Pageant officials later confirmed she was hospitalized with no broken bones and was "under good care," continuing to support her recovery.

A Victory Amidst Chaos

Against this backdrop of unprecedented backstage drama, the final event unfolded on November 21st. Fátima Bosch's performance resonated with the judges, ultimately securing her the crown. Miss Thailand Praveenar Singh was named first runner-up, followed by Miss Venezuela Stephany Abasali in third place, with Miss Philippines Ma Ahtisa Manalo and Miss Côte d'Ivoire Olivia Yace rounding out the top five.

The result was instantly divisive online. While many Mexicans celebrated Bosch's triumph and applauded her earlier stand, others speculated if the organization awarded her the crown to appease public outrage following the walkout scandal. "They had to crown her to make up for injustice earlier to save Miss Universe!" one social media comment read. Nawat Itsaragrisil, conspicuously absent from the stage during the crowning, cryptically posted "A billion words that cannot be said" on his social media accounts, later telling reporters, "we leave it to the viewers at home to judge."

The Future of Miss Universe

Bosch's win highlights the turbulent transition Miss Universe has undergone. The pageant, once owned by Donald Trump and later by Thai transgender media mogul Anne Jakrajutatip (who implemented significant inclusivity changes), is now navigating a complex leadership structure split between Bangkok (Nawat's organization) and Mexico (Rocha's business). Analysts describe this as a "very rocky transition" causing confusion about authority and damaging the brand's image.

"For fans and outsiders, it's very confusing. No one knows who the real leaders are or who to ask when they have questions," former Miss Universe Organization president Paula Shugart told the BBC. Experts also point to cultural clashes between the Thai and Mexican ownership models as a contributing factor to the friction.

Despite the controversies, the Miss Universe Organization praised Bosch's victory, stating her "grace, strength, and radiant spirit captured the hearts of the world." Her win, however, comes as the pageant faces ongoing questions about its relevance, declining viewership, and the very purpose of modern beauty pageants in an era focused on female empowerment and inclusivity. Bosch's journey, from defiant walkout to global queen, ensures her reign will be one of the most talked-about in the pageant's history.

"It seems to me that it is an example of how women should raise our voices." — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Fátima Bosch