Miss Universe 2025 Crowned Amid Unprecedented Scandal and Walkouts

Fatima Bosch of Mexico won Miss Universe 2025 on Friday, November 21. Her victory concluded a pageant season rocked by controversy. The event in Thailand was overshadowed by public insults, judge resignations, and on-stage accidents.

The competition faced accusations of vote rigging and poor treatment of contestants. This turmoil threatened to undermine the pageant’s message of female empowerment.

A Public Humiliation Sparks Global Outcry

The scandal erupted weeks before the final crown was awarded. Nawat Itsaragrisil, the pageant’s Thai director, publicly berated contestant Fatima Bosch. During a livestreamed sashing ceremony, he reportedly called her a “dumbhead.”

Bosch made a courageous decision. She walked out of the event, her dignity intact. Her action was supported by fellow contestants and the reigning Miss Universe. According to Reuters, this moment became a powerful symbol of standing up to mistreatment.

Judges Resign Amid Rigging Allegations

The controversy deepened significantly behind the scenes. Two high-profile judges resigned just days before the finale. Omar Harfouch, a musician, accused organizers of a “secret vote” to pre-select finalists.

He stated he could not legitimize a vote he did not take part in. Former footballer Claude Makelele also stepped down shortly after. The Miss Universe Organization denied all allegations of rigging. They claimed Harfouch misunderstood a separate social impact initiative.

On-Stage Accidents and Geopolitical Tensions

The drama was not confined to judging and insults. The preliminary competition saw serious on-stage incidents. Miss Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, fell from the main stage and was hospitalized.

Miss Great Britain also tumbled during her performance. Beyond the stage, political tensions surfaced. Miss Palestine’s gown and Miss Israel’s reported threats highlighted the event’s geopolitical friction. Miss Teen Cambodia used her speech to accuse Thailand of border clashes.

A Victory That Transcended the Crown

Despite the chaos, Fatima Bosch advanced to the final round. She ultimately triumphed over crowd favorite Miss Thailand. Her win was seen as a vindication of her principled stand.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly praised Bosch’s courage. She called her an example for all women. The pageant director later issued a tearful, if awkward, public apology. For many, Bosch’s journey from humiliation to victory redefined the competition.

Fatima Bosch’s Miss Universe 2025 win represents a triumph of dignity over public scandal, setting a new precedent for how pageants address contestant treatment and internal controversy.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Why did the Miss Universe director apologize?

The Thai director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, publicly insulted contestant Fatima Bosch. He criticized her during a ceremony and used derogatory language. His apology came after significant public and contestant backlash.

Q2: Which judges resigned from Miss Universe?

Omar Harfouch and Claude Makelele both resigned days before the finale. Harfouch cited allegations of a “secret vote” and result manipulation. Makelele resigned citing personal reasons shortly after.

Q3: What happened to Miss Jamaica at the pageant?

Miss Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, fell from the main stage during preliminaries. The fall was serious enough to require hospitalization. This incident added to the pageant’s troubled narrative.

Q4: How did the Mexican president react to the win?

President Claudia Sheinbaum strongly supported Fatima Bosch. She praised Bosch for speaking out with dignity against mistreatment. She called her an example for women everywhere.

Q5: What was the main controversy behind the scenes?

The core controversy involved accusations of vote rigging. Judge Omar Harfouch claimed an impromptu jury pre-selected finalists. The organization denied these claims, attributing it to a misunderstanding.