Read on Global NewsMiss Mexico Fátima Bosch Crowned Miss Universe 2025 Following Controversial Walkout
Fátima Bosch of Mexico has been crowned Miss Universe 2025, marking a triumphant conclusion to a pageant that began with controversy when a pageant executive publicly insulted her during a sashing ceremony. The 25-year-old's victory comes weeks after she walked out of an event in Thailand when Nawat Itsaragrisil, executive director of the Miss Universe Organization, called her 'dumb' in front of other contestants. Bosch's dignified response and subsequent win highlight the evolving standards of women's empowerment in pageantry.
The Miss Universe 2025 competition concluded with Fátima Bosch of Mexico being crowned the 74th winner, capping off an event that had been marked by controversy and ultimately celebrated women's empowerment. The 25-year-old's victory represents Mexico's fourth Miss Universe win and comes after a highly publicized incident that tested the pageant's commitment to its stated theme of "The Power of Love."
The Controversial Sashing Ceremony
The pageant first made headlines earlier this month when Bosch walked out of a sashing ceremony after being publicly insulted by Nawat Itsaragrisil, executive director of the Miss Universe Organization. During the November 4 ceremony, which was livestreamed on the Miss Universe Thailand Facebook page, Itsaragrisil confronted Bosch about her absence from a social media shoot and questioned her commitment to supporting Thailand. The exchange escalated when Itsaragrisil called Bosch "dumb" and called security to remove her from the room.
Solidarity Among Contestants
Bosch's decision to leave the ceremony prompted several other contestants to follow her in solidarity, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark, Miss Universe Canada Jaime VandenBerg, and Miss Universe Iraq Hanin Al Qoreishy. This show of unity demonstrated that the incident represented broader concerns about respect and dignity within the pageant system. After exiting the ceremony, Bosch spoke to press alongside Miss Universe Iraq, stating that the director's behavior "is not respectful" and emphasizing that "no one can silence us."
Organizational Response
The Miss Universe Organization responded swiftly to the incident, with president Raúl Rocha issuing a strong statement condemning Itsaragrisil's actions. Rocha expressed his "great indignation toward Nawat for the public aggression he committed against Fátima Bosch, Miss Universe Mexico, whom he humiliated, insulted and showed a lack of respect." The organization restricted Itsaragrisil's participation in subsequent events and limited his involvement in the competition as much as possible.
Political Recognition
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum celebrated Bosch's win and specifically praised her for speaking up against injustice. "I like that she spoke up when she felt that was an injustice and that is an example," Sheinbaum said during her daily news briefing. "That thing they said about being prettier when you're quiet has been left behind. Women are prettier when we speak and we participate." This endorsement from Mexico's highest political office underscored the cultural significance of Bosch's stance.
Final Competition Results
Despite the earlier controversy, the Miss Universe 2025 final proceeded with Bosch emerging victorious among the top five finalists. Miss Thailand Praveenar Singh, 29, was named first runner-up, while Venezuela's Stephany Abasali, 25, Philippines' Ahtisa Manalo, 28, and the Ivory Coast's Olivia Yacé, 27, completed the top five. The competition maintained its global appeal while navigating the challenges that had emerged during the preliminary events.
Broader Implications
Bosch's journey from public humiliation to ultimate victory represents a significant moment in pageant history. Her statement that "it doesn't matter if you have a big dream or a crown. If it takes away your dignity, you should walk away" resonated with audiences worldwide and signaled a shift in how contestants are expected to respond to mistreatment. The incident and its resolution demonstrate the evolving standards within beauty pageants regarding women's empowerment and respectful treatment.
The 2025 Miss Universe competition will be remembered not only for Fátima Bosch's victory but for the powerful message about dignity and respect that emerged from the challenges faced during the event. Bosch's triumph serves as an inspiration to women worldwide about the importance of standing up for oneself while pursuing ambitious goals.
