Fatima Bosch Crowned Miss Universe 2025 Amid Pageant Controversies

Post by : Mina Rahman

Fatima Bosch has officially been named the new Miss Universe of 2025, representing Mexico and winning the crown in Thailand amidst considerable upheaval in the pageant's proceedings. The 25-year-old made headlines earlier when she exited a preparatory event after being reprimanded by a pageant official, who threatened to disqualify her for accepting assistance from fellow contestants.

This followed a string of controversies, including the resignation of two judges, with one alleging that the competition had been manipulated. Despite these clouds hanging over the pageant, Bosch triumphed, while Thailand’s Praveenar Singh came second, and Venezuela, the Philippines, and Cote d’Ivoire filled the positions in the top five.

Now in its 74th year, the Miss Universe pageant is among the world’s oldest and most recognized beauty contests. Analysts have pointed to the cultural friction and strategic discrepancies between the Thai and Mexican management teams as a driving factor behind the issues faced this season. This year marked Thailand's fourth time hosting, with its contestants receiving significant public support.

Behind the Curtains

The organization of the event is led by Thai media figure Nawat Itsaragrasil, famous for Miss Grand International, with operations managed by Mexican entrepreneur Raul Rocha. Tensions escalated during a pre-pageant event when Mr. Nawat criticized Bosch for not sharing promotional content, prompting her to leave in protest, followed by other contestants showing support.

The Miss Universe Organization labeled this incident as “malicious,” and Mr. Rocha attempted to intervene remotely, urging his partner to cease the behavior. Mr. Nawat later expressed regrets, attributing the incident to misunderstandings, and an international group was dispatched for oversight.

Resignations in the Judging Panel

Following these events, judge Omar Harfouch and former football star Claude Makelele stepped down from their roles, with Harfouch alleging finalist bias. The organization rebuffed these accusations, asserting that the independent Beyond the Crown initiative functions separately.

In a dramatic turn during the evening gown round, Miss Jamaica experienced a fall and was taken to the hospital, further intensifying the event's drama.

Leadership Changes and Inclusivity

Miss Universe has seen notable leadership transitions recently, as Anne Jakrajutatip, a Thai transgender entrepreneur, stepped down as CEO before the event. Guatemalan diplomat Mario Bucaro has taken the helm. Under Jakrajutatip, changes were instituted that expanded inclusivity, allowing transgender women, married women, and mothers to participate without age restrictions.

Experts suggest the bifurcation of leadership has led to some confusion amongst viewers and contestants, impacting the brand’s identity and standing.

Looking Ahead for Miss Universe

Although traditional broadcast numbers are dwindling, social media has crafted previous titleholders into influencers. The Thai segment is exploring financial returns through live merchandise, while Latin American viewers continue to honor contestants as TV icons.

In spite of recent controversies, former Miss Universe figures argue that the essence of the pageant lies in its capacity to uplift women, urging that Miss Universe’s relevance persists only when it actively promotes and empowers its participants.