In a stunning conclusion to a drama-filled event, Fatima Bosch from Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025. The 74th edition of the prestigious global pageant, held in Bangkok, saw the 25-year-old sustainable fashion advocate secure the title, which was handed over by the outgoing queen, Denmark's Victoria Kjær Theilvig.
A Crowning Moment Amidst Turmoil
The official Miss Universe social media account captured the precise moment Bosch's name was announced, broadcasting her raw, emotional reaction to the world. The final lineup saw Miss Thailand as the first runner-up, followed by Miss Venezuela and Miss Philippines in the top spots.
However, Bosch's victory was set against a backdrop of significant controversy that had clouded the competition for weeks. The trouble began on November 4, the opening day of Miss Universe 2025, when Bosch was involved in a heated argument with Miss Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil during a sponsorship event. This exchange was livestreamed on the Miss Thailand Facebook page and quickly went viral, drawing global attention.
Controversies and Allegations Rock the Pageant
In response to the public spat, Miss Universe president Raul Rocha announced that Itsaragrisil would be barred from attending future events. Despite this official statement, Itsaragrisil was spotted at multiple functions and was even acknowledged during the live finale, raising questions about the organization's enforcement of its own rules.
The controversy deepened just days before the grand finale. Composer Omar Harfouch, who was invited as an official judge, made the shocking decision to withdraw from the panel. He alleged that the organization had pre-selected the top 30 contestants through a 'secret vote' that completely bypassed the official jury.
'I felt honoured to be invited as an official judge,' Harfouch told Business Insider. 'But everything changed when I discovered a parallel selection committee acting independently from the jury. It affected trust and credibility.'
The Miss Universe Organization swiftly responded to these allegations with an Instagram statement on November 18. They clarified that Harfouch had misunderstood the role of a separate eight-person committee. This committee, they stated, was solely for the pageant’s 'Beyond the Crown Program,' which highlights the charitable work of the contestants, and had no influence on the competition's final results.
The Triumph of a Purpose-Driven Queen
Rising above the noise, Fatima Bosch etched her name in history. Hailing from Tabasco, she is the first Miss Mexico winner from that state. Her career is deeply rooted in sustainable fashion, and her Miss Universe biography reveals a profound commitment to social causes.
Beyond the glamour, Bosch works extensively with children battling cancer. She also actively collaborates with organizations like Corazón Migrante and Ruta Monarca, focusing on initiatives that support migrant communities and environmental conservation, proving that her reign will be about much more than a crown.
