Mexico’s Fátima Bosch was crowned Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand on Friday night, bringing an end to one of the most contentious editions of the pageant in recent years.
Her victory came after weeks of disruptions, public disputes and an on-stage incident that drew global attention.
Bosch’s crowning followed a turbulent campaign marked by conflict between the Mexican representative and Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil.
The tensions began early in the competition when Bosch was accused of failing to take part in promotional activities arranged by the host nation.
Footage shared on social media showed Itsaragrisil publicly confronting her during a pre-pageant event, raising his voice, threatening disqualification and calling security as other contestants looked on.
Bosch later told reporters the director had called her “dumb” during the exchange.
The confrontation triggered an immediate reaction from fellow contestants. Several participants walked out of the room in solidarity with Bosch, including the reigning Miss Universe from Denmark, who described the treatment as “beyond disrespectful” as she left the venue.
Their departure was part of a wider protest over how the situation had been handled during the ceremony.
In the days that followed, the Miss Universe Organisation issued a recorded statement condemning the conduct displayed at the event.
The organisation said the behaviour directed at Bosch had contradicted the pageant’s stated purpose and confirmed that the role of the Thai executive involved would be reviewed.
Itsaragrisil issued an apology, stating that he was sorry for any discomfort caused.
The build-up to Friday’s finale was further unsettled when Miss Jamaica, Dr Gabrielle Henry, fell off the stage during the evening gown segment earlier in the week.
She was assessed at a Bangkok hospital and did not sustain life-threatening injuries.
The incident circulated widely online in the hours before the final show.
Despite the disruptions, the competition went ahead as scheduled. Videos of Bosch’s crowning, circulated moments after the announcement, showed her receiving the crown in a red gown as fellow contestants embraced her.
The celebrations followed a divided reaction from online viewers, with some praising her performance and others questioning the outcome.
In remarks to the media after an earlier confrontation, Bosch said she intended to represent her country with confidence and independence.
She said she had come to the competition to lend her voice to issues affecting women and would continue to speak publicly about causes important to her.
Bosch’s win concludes a turbulent season for the Miss Universe brand, which faced criticism over management disputes, contestant walkouts and highly publicised moments that overshadowed elements of the competition.
