News desk :: Mexico’s Fatima Bosch crowned Miss Universe 2025 amid controversy.

Fatima Bosch of Mexico has been crowned Miss Universe 2025, winning the title at a finale overshadowed by weeks of controversy. The 25-year-old humanitarian emerged as a crowd favourite after she was publicly berated by a Thai pageant director during a pre-pageant meeting, prompting several contestants to stage a walkout.

Bosch received the crown from last year's winner, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark. Thailand's Praveenar Singh finished as first runner-up, followed by Venezuela's Stephany Abasali, the Philippines' Ahtisa Manalo, and Ivory Coast's Olivia Yacé, rounding out the top five.

Often called the "Super Bowl" of beauty pageants, Miss Universe draws millions of viewers every year, with delegates selected through licensed national competitions. This year's event, hosted in Thailand, featured contestants from 120 countries. Nadeen Ayoub became the first woman to represent the Palestinian people, reaching the top 30 before being eliminated. The finale was hosted by American comedian Steve Byrne and opened with a performance by Thai singer Jeff Satur.

After the swimwear round, the top 30 were trimmed to 12, and later to the final five following the evening gown segment. Finalists addressed questions on global issues they would highlight at the UN General Assembly and how they would use the Miss Universe platform to inspire young girls.

Believe in the power of your authenticity," Bosch said during the Q&A. "Your dreams matter, your heart matters. Never let anyone make you doubt your worth."

The competition spanned three weeks, with contestants rehearsing and taking part in various activities across Thailand. Wednesday's national costume showcase featured elaborate designs representing each contestant's home country. Miss USA Audrey Eckert presented a striking bald eagle costume created by Simon Villalba.

During the preliminary evening gown round, Jamaica's Gabrielle Henry suffered a fall and was taken away on a stretcher, according to widely circulated social media videos. Miss Universe President Raul Rocha later confirmed that Henry was receiving medical care and had not sustained any fractures.

Pageant controversies

This year's pageant faced intense scrutiny due to internal disputes. The walkout earlier this month reignited debates over the event's commitment to women's empowerment.

During a live-streamed briefing, Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil reprimanded Bosch for not posting enough promotional content. Although he denied calling her a "dumbhead," Nawat admitted accusing her of causing "damage." When Bosch objected, he called security to remove her, prompting other contestants to leave in solidarity.

The incident drew international criticism, including from Mexico's president Claudia Sheinbaum, who described Nawat's remarks as an act of "aggression" that Bosch handled with "dignity." The Miss Universe Organization later restricted Nawat's role, while he issued an apology at a welcome ceremony.

Separately, Miss Universe 1996 Alicia Machado faced backlash for racist comments made during an Instagram livestream, where she used derogatory language about Nawat and made offensive gestures.