Miss Universe Crowns Fátima Bosch Amid Rigging Scandal and Walkout

BANGKOK, THAILAND — Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch, 25, has been crowned the 74th Miss Universe in a Bangkok finale that officially closed one of the most scandal-filled seasons in the pageant’s history. Bosch’s victory—the fourth for Mexico—comes after the competition was rocked by a public confrontation that triggered a contestant walkout, followed days later by explosive claims of a rigged selection process.

The result has instantly divided opinion online, with many celebrating her win as an act of solidarity against mistreatment, while others questioned if the crown was given to her as an act of “damage control” by the Miss Universe Organization (MUO).

Former owner Anne Jakrajutatip sought to make Miss Universe more inclusive

The Walkout That Made Global Headlines

The defining drama of the pageant occurred earlier this month when Thai media mogul and pageant organiser, Mr. Nawat Itsaragrasil, publicly berated Ms. Bosch for allegedly failing to post sufficient promotional content. When Ms. Bosch objected, citing her right to speak out, Mr. Nawat called security and threatened to disqualify her and her supporters.

Ms. Bosch made a dramatic walkout, joined by other contestants in a move that drew immediate global attention. MUO President Raul Rocha condemned Mr. Nawat’s behaviour as “malicious,” and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised Ms. Bosch as an “example of how we women should speak out” against aggression.

Following the win, a defiant Mr. Nawat, who was not seen on stage, posted a terse Thai statement on social media: “A billion words that cannot be said.”

The Miss Universe 2025 top five stand on stage in Bangkok

Rigging Allegations and Judge Resignations

The controversy escalated when two judges abruptly resigned just days before the final. Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch, who quit the eight-member jury, alleged that an “impromptu jury” with potential conflicts of interest had pre-selected finalists ahead of the official final.

“I could not stand before the public and television cameras, pretending to legitimize a vote I never took part in,” Harfouch stated, repeating his allegations online minutes after Bosch was crowned. Former French football star Claude Makelele also resigned, citing “unforeseen personal reasons.”

The MUO vehemently rejected the claims, asserting that “no external group has been authorised to evaluate delegates or select finalists.”

In other drama, Miss Jamaica was rushed out on a stretcher after a dramatic fall during the preliminary evening gown round.

Miss Thailand Praveenar Singh was named first runner-up, followed by Miss Venezuela Stephany Abasali in third, Miss Philippines Ma Ahtisa Manalo, and Miss Cote d’Ivoire Olivia Yace.