Fatima Bosch of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025 at the grand finale in Bangkok on Friday, two weeks after she stormed off stage following a clash with pageant director Nawat Itsaragrisi. The 25-year-old from Tabasco used her victory speech to pledge her support for women’s safety worldwide, saying she would put her voice and power in the service of others.
The ceremony was overshadowed by a series of scandals that began on 4 November, when a live stream captured Nawat berating Bosch, allegedly calling her a “dumbhead” for refusing to join a photoshoot. Bosch accused him of failing to respect her as a woman, prompting several contestants, including reigning title holder Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark, to walk out in solidarity. Nawat later apologised to anyone who felt “bad, uncomfortable, or affected”.
Former Miss Universe 1996 Alicia Machado was also criticised for making offensive remarks and gestures about Asian people during a livestream, with franchisee Josh Yugen condemning her words as proof that racism remains alive. Additionally, Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry was hospitalised after falling during the preliminary evening gown round; her sister confirmed she was in intensive care and would remain there for at least seven days.
Two judges resigned days before the final. Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch alleged that an “impromptu jury” had already pre-selected finalists, and after Bosch’s win he called her a “fake winner”. French football manager Claude Makélélé also stepped down, citing unforeseen personal reasons. The Miss Universe Organisation rejected the allegations, insisting no external group had been authorised to evaluate delegates or select finalists.
In a separate incident, Miss Chile Inna Moll apologised after a TikTok video showed her pretending to snort makeup powder, saying she was sorry to anyone who felt offended.
