Fatima Bosch of Mexico has been crowned Miss Universe 2025 after a turbulent competition marked by controversy and global scrutiny.
The 25-year-old humanitarian, considered a fan favorite, rose in prominence after she was berated during a pre-pageant meeting by a Thai pageant director, prompting a walkout by several contestants.
She was crowned by last year’s winner, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark.
Thailand’s Praveenar Singh finished as runner-up. Venezuela’s Stephany Abasali, the Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo, and Ivory Coast’s Olivia Yacé completed the top five. This year’s event drew representatives from 120 countries.
Zimbabwe’s Lyshanda Moyas manged a top 30 finish
Among them was Nadeen Ayoub, the first woman to represent Palestinian people at the pageant, who reached the top 30.
After the swimwear round, the field was cut from 30 to 12, then to 5 after the evening gown portion.
Finalists answered questions on issues they would raise at the United Nations and how they would use the platform to inspire young girls.
Bosch urged women to value their voices, saying, “Your dreams matter, your heart matters. Never let anyone make you doubt your worth.”
Delegates spent three weeks rehearsing and touring Thailand. The national costume showcase featured elaborate designs, including Miss USA Audrey Eckert’s bald eagle ensemble created by Simon Villalba.
The week also brought frightening moments. Jamaica’s Gabrielle Henry fell during the preliminaries and was carried out on a stretcher.
Pageant president Raul Rocha later said she was in hospital “under good care” and had no broken bones.
The competition unfolded amid several controversies. The incident involving Bosch sparked debate over the pageant’s claims of promoting female empowerment.
In a livestreamed meeting before the event, Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil reprimanded Bosch for not posting enough promotional content and appeared to insult her.
He denied using offensive language, saying he accused her of causing “damage.”
After Bosch objected, he called security to remove her, and several contestants walked out in solidarity.
The backlash grew after Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, called the incident an “aggression” that Bosch handled with dignity.
The Miss Universe Organization condemned Nawat’s conduct and limited his involvement.
He apologized during a welcome ceremony. In a separate controversy, Miss Universe 1996 Alicia Machado faced criticism after making racist remarks about Asians in an Instagram livestream.
Two judges resigned days before the final. Lebanese composer Omar Harfouch said he quit because he believed an unofficial panel had pre-selected the top 30.
The Miss Universe Organization denied his claims, saying all evaluations followed established protocols.
A second judge, former French soccer star Claude Makélélé, stepped down citing personal reasons.
The pageant also saw leadership changes. Thai media tycoon Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip stepped down earlier this year, and Mario Búcaro became CEO in October.
Jakkaphong bought the organization in 2022, though her company later filed for bankruptcy.
Next year’s Miss Universe pageant will be held in Puerto Rico.
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