FATIMA Bosch of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe in Bangkok on Friday, bringing to a close one of the most tumultuous seasons in the pageant’s history.
The 25-year-old contestant had earlier walked out of a pre-pageant event after being publicly berated by an official in front of dozens of contestants, who was also reported to have threatened disqualification for those showing support.
BBC reported today that, a week later, two judges resigned, with one alleging that organisers had rigged the competition, though the Miss Universe Organisation denied any such claims.
Thailand’s Praveenar Singh placed second, while the remainder of the top five included contestants from Venezuela, the Philippines, and Cote d’Ivoire.
This marks the fourth time Thailand has hosted Miss Universe, with the local delegate widely considered a frontrunner.
Founded in the United States, Miss Universe is one of the world’s longest-running beauty contests. Analysts say the recent controversies reflect cultural and strategic tensions between the pageant’s Thai and Mexican operators.
The competition’s events in Bangkok were overseen by Thai media mogul Nawat Itsaragrasil, founder of Miss Grand International, while the Miss Universe Organisation itself is managed from Mexico by Raul Rocha.
Nawat, holding the licence for this year’s pageant, came under scrutiny for publicly chastising Bosch for failing to post promotional content, prompting her to leave in protest.
Security threats were reportedly issued to other contestants in solidarity. The organisation condemned the behaviour as “malicious,” with Rocha telling Nawat to “stop” in a video call.
A delegation of international executives was dispatched to oversee operations, but turbulence continued. Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch resigned from the eight-member jury, alleging an “impromptu jury” had pre-selected finalists.
Former French football star Claude Makelele also withdrew, citing unforeseen personal reasons. Organisers rejected the allegations, clarifying that the jury process remained independent and that the Beyond the Crown programme mentioned by Harfouch operates separately.
Drama continued during the preliminary evening gown round when Miss Jamaica fell onstage and had to be stretchered out for medical attention.
The pageant has also been navigating a major leadership transition.
Thai transgender media mogul Anne Jakrajutatip resigned as CEO just before the pre-pageant events, replaced by Guatemalan diplomat Mario Bucaro. Jakrajutatip had acquired the pageant in 2022, introducing sweeping inclusivity reforms allowing transgender women, married women, and mothers to compete, while scrapping the age cap.
Experts say the dual leadership between Bangkok and Mexico has created confusion among contestants and fans.
“For fans and outsiders, it’s very confusing. No one knows who the real leaders are or who to ask when they have questions, and that’s very damaging to the brand,” Paula Shugart, former Miss Universe president, told the BBC.
Cultural differences between Thai organisers and Latin American fans have also contributed to tensions.
Despite declining television audiences, the pageant has sought relevance on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, transforming contestants into influencers who can monetise the brand.
Meanwhile, traditional Latin American audiences continue to view Miss Universe winners as glamorous television celebrities.
Former queens continue to leverage their titles for advocacy. 2018 winner Catriona Gray encouraged her 13.8 million Instagram followers to help provide safe drinking water to communities devastated by typhoons in the Philippines.
“Of course, it won’t be for everyone, and there will always be those who disagree. But as long as the core values are intact, I think pageants will always have a role to play in society,” Shugart said. She stressed that empowering women should remain at the heart of the competition.
“Miss Universe is nothing if you’re not empowering the women that compete.” - November 21, 2025
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