Mexico’s Fatima Bosch wins Miss Universe 2025 after scandal-ridden rocky start
Bosch secured the title as a strong favourite after an incident in which she was disrespected by Nawat Itsaragrisil
Mexico’s Fatima Bosch has been crowned Miss Universe 2025 in Nonthaburi, Thailand, concluding a competition that drew global attention for both its scale and the disputes that unfolded during the three-week event.
The 25-year-old humanitarian and volunteer secured the title after emerging as a strong favourite, particularly following an incident in which she was reprimanded by a Thai pageant director during a livestreamed meeting, prompting several contestants to walk out in support.
She received the crown from last year’s winner, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark.
Thailand’s Praveenar Singh finished as runner-up, with Venezuela’s Stephany Abasali, the Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo and Ivory Coast’s Olivia Yacé completing the top five.
This year’s pageant featured delegates from 120 countries, including Nadeen Ayoub, the first woman to represent Palestinian people at Miss Universe, who reached the top 30.
At the beginning, the event faced controversy when Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil clashed with Bosch, drawing international criticism and an MUO reprimand. Additional turmoil arose when former titleholder Alicia Machado made racist remarks in an Instagram live session.
Further tension emerged days before the finale when judges Omar Harfouch and Claude Makélélé stepped down, with Harfouch alleging irregularities in the judging process, claims the Miss Universe Organization rejected.
The contest unfolded during a leadership transition following Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip’s departure and the appointment of Mario Búcaro as CEO.
