Fátima Bosch Fernández from Mexico won the Miss Universe 2025 crown on Friday, marking a dramatic victory for the 25-year-old who had recently faced public bullying during the event in Bangkok.
This year’s pageant became controversial after one of the hosts sharply criticized Bosch during a livestreamed ceremony. The incident led to a walkout, strong feminist support for Bosch, and an emotional public apology from the local organizer who caused the conflict.
When Bosch was announced as the new Miss Universe, the audience erupted in loud cheers and celebrations. Many fans waved Mexican flags as they celebrated her win.
After her victory, Bosch told the media that she hopes people remember her as someone who helped change the traditional idea of what a Miss Universe should be — a real and heartfelt person. She also praised the pageant, saying it provides an important platform where women can have a voice.
Praveenar Singh of Thailand, age 29, finished as the first runner-up. Stephany Adriana Abasali Nasser of Venezuela, 25, came in third. Ahtisa Manalo of the Philippines, 28, and Olivia Yacé of Ivory Coast, 27, completed the top five.
The controversy began on November 4 during a livestreamed sashing ceremony for more than 100 contestants. Thai national director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly scolded Bosch for allegedly not following his instructions about local promotional activities. When Bosch tried to defend herself, he even called security, which intensified the public backlash.