NONTHABURI, Thailand – Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch was crowned Miss Universe on Friday night, capping a tumultuous competition marked by dramatic confrontations, judge withdrawals, and contestant injuries.
Bosch emerged victorious from a field of more than 120 contestants, defeating finalists from Ivory Coast, the Philippines, Thailand and Venezuela in one of the world’s premier beauty pageants.
However, her path to victory was overshadowed by a heated confrontation with Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil earlier this month. Bosch staged a dramatic walkout from a meeting where Itsaragrisil publicly criticized her for allegedly failing to post promotional content on social media.
“What your director did is not respectful: he called me dumb,” Bosch told reporters at the time. “The world needs to see this because we are empowered women and this is a platform for our voice.”
The incident, broadcast on livestream, showed Bosch and Miss Iraq leaving the room after Itsaragrisil called for security intervention. Other contestants appeared to show solidarity before Itsaragrisil warned that those wanting to continue should “sit down.”
Presidential support
The controversy drew support from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who called Bosch “an example of how we women should speak out” in the face of aggression.
“In public events, I say women look prettier when we speak out,” Sheinbaum said.
At Friday’s press conference, the newly crowned Miss Universe said she wanted to be remembered as “a Miss Universe that wasn’t afraid to be herself” and “a person that changed, a little bit, the prototype of what is a Miss Universe.”
Additional drama
The pageant was further marred by controversy when two judges withdrew this week. French composer Omar Harfouch alleged the contest was rigged by a “secret and illegitimate vote” conducted without the official jury, claims denied by the Miss Universe Organisation.
Former professional footballer Claude Makelele also stepped down as a judge, citing “unforeseen personal reasons.”
Physical mishaps plagued the competition as well. Miss Britain Danielle Latimer fell flat on stage during the costume round while dressed as Cockney character Eliza Doolittle, and Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry was hospitalized after falling off the main stage during an evening gown showcase.
Hometown celebration
In Bosch’s hometown of Villahermosa, thousands gathered at a baseball stadium to watch the pageant live. The crowd erupted in “Mexico, Mexico!” chants when she was crowned, with fireworks lighting up the sky.
Itsaragrisil, who initially declined to comment about Bosch on Friday, later offered congratulations. “I do support, and congratulations again to Mexico’s fans,” he said.
The Miss Universe Organisation confirmed that Miss Jamaica Henry suffered no serious injuries and was “resting under medical observation.”
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