Mexico’s Fátima Bosch Wins Miss Universe amid scandals and judge resignations

Melbourne, November 22, 2025 : Mexico’s Fátima Bosch has been crowned the winner of the 74th Miss Universe pageant, concluding two turbulent weeks marked by controversy, allegations of bias and rare public protests by contestants.

Bosch, 25, made global headlines earlier this month after walking out of an official Miss Universe event in protest when a co-owner of the organisation scolded her and called security to escort her out. On Friday, she returned to the same stage in Bangkok — not as a protester, but as the new Miss Universe 2025.

She becomes the fourth Mexican woman to win the title. Even before the competition began, Bosch and Praveenar Singh of Thailand were widely seen as the two strongest contenders, tied at the top in global betting markets.

A Controversial Path to the Crown

The controversy began in early November when Nawat Itsaragrisil, a Thai businessman and co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, was seen on a livestream sharply reprimanding Bosch for not taking part in promotional activities. When security was called to remove her, Bosch and several other contestants stood up and left in protest, sparking widespread criticism of the organisers.

Tensions escalated further this week when two judges resigned.

• Omar Harfouch, a Lebanese-French composer, stepped down accusing the organisers of using a secret second panel of judges to select finalists. The Miss Universe Organization has denied the allegation.
  
• The second judge, former French footballer Claude Makélélé, resigned citing personal reasons.

Bosch’s Message During the Final

In the final round on Friday, a judge asked Bosch how she would create a safe space for women as Miss Universe. She responded:

I will put my voice in the power and the service of others. The brave ones who stand up are the ones who will make history.”

Her answer, combined with her strong performance throughout the competition, helped secure her the crown.

Struggling Popularity and Shifting Ownership

Despite its global brand recognition, Miss Universe has struggled with declining viewership and diminishing interest from broadcasters who once paid high licensing fees. Still, the pageant enjoys strong followings in countries such as the Philippines, Venezuela and Colombia.

Mexico’s Fátima Bosch Wins Miss Universe Amid Scandals and Judge Resignations

The Miss Universe Organization itself has undergone multiple ownership changes over the past 30 years. It was owned by former U.S. President Donald Trump from 1996 to 2015, followed by Endeavor, before being sold to JKN, a Thai media company, in 2022. Since 2023, JKN and Mexican businessman Raul Rocha Cantu have jointly owned the franchise.

A Dramatic Ending to a Turbulent Year

After weeks of allegations, resignations and backstage drama, Fátima Bosch’s win brought a dramatic close to one of the most contentious Miss Universe competitions in recent memory. Her victory, shaped by protest and perseverance, is already being hailed as one of the most memorable moments in the pageant’s long history.