(Web Desk) – Fatima Bosch, who represented Mexico at the Miss Universe pageant, has been crowned the winner for the 2025 pageant, held in Thai city of Bangkok.
The ceremony took place in Bangkok on Thursday, where Veena Praveenar Singh came in second as she represented host country Thailand.
The event opened with 30 contestants progressing to the swimsuit competition from the initial 120 contestants. From there, 12 women progressed to the evening gown competition, while five made it to the final Q&A round.
The other finalists in the 74th Miss Universe competition included Miss Philippines Ahtisa Manalo, Miss Venezuela Stephany Abasali and Miss Cote d’Ivoire Olivia Yace.
Miss Mexico’s victory came following controversy earlier, amid a confrontation between Bosch and Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil during a pre-pageant event.
In the exchange, which was streamed live on social media, Itsaragrisil is seen berating Bosch for apparently refusing to post promotional content for host country Thailand. Bosch, who initially attempted to explain herself, walks out of the venue after the conversation escalates, prompting other contestants, including current Miss Universe Victoria Theilvig from Denmark, to follow suit.
This year’s competition also saw the first time a Miss Palestine was placed, and the first time an Emirati represented the UAE.
The final five contestants at the 74th Miss Universe 2025 pageant were Miss Ivory Coast Olivia Yace, Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch, Miss Venezuela Stephany Adriana Abasali Nasser, Miss Philippines Ahtisa Manalo and Miss Thailand Praveenar Singh.
The beauty queen, who made a statement for her grace and poise on stage, hasn’t had an easy run to the crown.
From boos at her historic initial win to a heated walkout at the Miss Universe 2025 sash ceremony, it has been quite the ride for her.
Who Is Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch?
Born in Santiago de Teapa, Tabasco, Fátima Bosch studied fashion design at Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico, attended the Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti in Milan, and spent time at the Lyndon Institute in Vermont.
Bosch has been open about facing bullying in school for having dyslexia and ADHD, challenges she’s turned into strength. Her pageant journey began in 2018 when she won the Flor de Oro crown in Tabasco.
Fast-forward to September 2025: Bosch made history as the first woman from Tabasco to win Miss Universe Mexico. Her victory instantly made her a social media sensation, racking up over 990,000 Instagram followers and 690,000 on TikTok.
And now, she’s won on the international stage. In a red sequined gown, Bosch was all smiles as she finally took her crown.
Why Miss Mexico sparked controversy
Not everyone was ready to crown Bosch. Many expected Yoana Gutiérrez, Miss Jalisco, to take home the title. When Bosch was announced, the live audience booed, contestants chanted “Jalisco won!” and only four competitors — Lorena Lopez, Fernanda Puma, Emiré Arellano, and Elena Roldán — congratulated her on stage.
Camila Canto, Miss Puebla, explained via social media that she didn’t approach Bosch because it would have felt “hypocritical.”
How Bosch handled the snub
Bosch kept her composure and told Us Weekly en Español:
“I’d rather have four hugs from people I know genuinely care for me. Lorena, Fernanda Puma, Emiré, and Elena are queens in every sense of the word.”
She added, “Nothing and no one will keep me from enjoying this crown… When something like this happens as an adult, you can’t help but feel like that vulnerable child in the classroom again. But we can’t give anyone the power to affect our mood. If you’ve earned the crown, you worked for it.”
Miss Universe Sash ceremony showdown
In November 2025, Bosch found herself at the center of another firestorm at the Miss Universe 2025 sash ceremony in Bangkok. Pageant official Nawat Itsaragrisil criticized her for not promoting Thailand enough on social media, allegedly calling her a “dumbhead” for following her national director’s orders.
Viral footage shows Bosch demanding respect: “It’s not my fault you have problems with my [Mexico] organization.”
Several other queens, including Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig, walked out in solidarity. Security was eventually called to diffuse the escalating situation.
Bosch later told reporters: “He called me dumb because he has issues with the organization, and I think that’s unfair. I think the world needs to see this, because we are empowered women and this platform is for our voices. No one can silence it. No one will silence me.”
She also emphasised: “It doesn’t matter if you have a big dream or a crown. If it takes away your dignity, you should walk away.”
Miss Universe Organisation weighs in
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) responded swiftly, vowing to uphold “values of diversity, empowerment, and inclusion.” President Raúl Rocha condemned Itsaragrisil’s behaviour:
“I will not allow the values of respect and dignity toward women to be violated… He humiliated and insulted Fátima Bosch, showing a lack of respect and a serious abuse of authority by calling security to intimidate a defenceless woman.”
Itsaragrisil’s role in future pageants will be limited, Rocha confirmed, reiterating:
“Miss Universe is an empowering platform for women, so their voices can be heard in this world.”
Bosch’s message to fans
Despite the drama, Bosch remains unshaken and committed to her reign.
“I just want to let my country know, I’m not afraid to make my voice heard. It’s here stronger than ever. I have a purpose. I have things to say… I’m not a doll to be made up, styled, and have my clothes changed. I came here to be a voice for all the women and girls who fight for causes.”
