Miss Universe 2025 Crowned Amid Controversy

Fatima Bosch, a Miss Mexico contestant who led a notable strike at the recent Miss Universe pageant, was crowned Miss Universe 2025 on Friday.

The 25-year-old triumphed in the 74th edition of the competition, surpassing first runner-up Praveena Singh from Thailand.

Completing the top five were Stéphanie Abasari from Venezuela, Ahatisa Manalo from the Philippines, and Olivia Yasse from Ivory Coast.

Miss USA, Audrey Eckert, made it into the top 30.

Bosch’s victory marks the fourth time a contestant from Mexico has won the prestigious title, and the first since Andrea Meza’s win in 2020.

This year’s contest took place in Thailand with the theme “The Power of Love,” but it has been marred by controversy since contestants arrived in Bangkok in early November.

During the official sash ceremony, Nawat Isaragrisil, the executive director of the Miss Universe Organization, criticized Bosch for skipping a social media shoot. His remarks escalated into a heated exchange, broadcasted live, during which he called her a “dummy.” Bosch responded, asserting her right to speak, stating, “Because I have a voice. You don’t respect me as a woman.”

Though many contestants shared their discontent regarding the incident, Isaragrisil’s inability to manage the situation led him to call for security to intervene. Bosch proclaimed as she left, “As women, you need to show us respect. I’m here representing my country. It’s not my fault you have issues with my organization.”

As a result of the outcry, several contestants and Miss Universe 2024, Victoria Kjaer Teilvig, were removed from the event. Following the backlash against Isaragrisil, he was relieved of his duties during this year’s contest, while Bosch received widespread praise for standing up against what many viewed as bullying.

Interestingly, prior to the ceremony, Judge Omar Harhoush resigned, claiming the top 30 had been predetermined before the judges even participated in the selection process, alleging that an unofficial jury had already made the decisions.

The Miss Universe Organization denied these allegations, clarifying any misunderstanding and asserting that official procedures were strictly adhered to throughout the pageant.

In another unsettling moment, during the evening gown segment, Miss Jamaica, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, fell off the runway and had to be taken to the hospital; fortunately, she did not suffer any serious injuries.

Adding to the turmoil, Nadine Ayoub, the first Miss Palestine, faced backlash after her past connections surfaced, revealing her marriage to the son of a notorious figure linked to Hamas. Ayoub, who represented Palestine, attempted to keep her personal life private until her prior marriage became public through social media screenshots.