After Scandalous Walkout, Fatima Bosch Claims Miss Universe Crown
In a gripping finale that showcased both glamour and drama, Fatima Bosch, representing Mexico, has been inaugurated as Miss Universe 2025 in a ceremony held in Bangkok. The event concluded a tumultuous pageant season marked by scandal, public confrontations, and questions surrounding the integrity of the competition.
The 25-year-old contestant's path to the crown was anything but ordinary. Earlier in November, Bosch made headlines for walking out of a pre-pageant session after a Thai official publicly reprimanded her. Amid this altercation, the official threatened to disqualify other contestants who stood in solidarity with her, prompting a significant outcry.
A week after the incident, two judges resigned, raising allegations that the pageant's organization was rigged. These events have ignited serious discussions about the pageant's relevance in today's society, especially as it grapples with declining viewership and increasing scrutiny.
Following Bosch's crowning, social media erupted with mixed reactions. While many in Mexico celebrated her achievement and lauded her for standing up against unjust treatment, others speculated whether her win was a compensatory gesture by the organizers in light of the earlier controversies.
Among the top contestants, Miss Thailand, Praveenar Singh, was the first runner up, with Miss Venezuela’s Stephany Abasali in third place, followed by Miss Philippines and Miss Cote d'Ivoire.
The controversies surrounding this year's pageant reflect a wider cultural conflict within its organizational structure, particularly following the transition to new leadership from a Mexican team under business moguls Raul Rocha and Nawat Itsaragrasil. The contrasting approaches on inclusivity and engagement with fans have made the Miss Universe Brand's future look uncertain.
In recent years, the audience for the Miss Universe broadcast has shrunk dramatically, as viewers migrate to social media platforms for entertainment. However, despite the challenges, former beauty queens sustain immense popularity in these channels, transforming their roles into modern influencers.
With Bosch's victory, the pageant now faces the challenge of re-establishing its footing in a competitive entertainment landscape while addressing ongoing concerns about women's empowerment and the organization's impact on its contestants.
