Fátima Bosch Fernández of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025 on Friday in Bangkok, securing a landmark victory in a pageant overshadowed by controversy after she became the target of public criticism from one of the event’s hosts.
The 25-year-old’s triumph capped a turbulent 74th edition of the Miss Universe competition, which had been marked by a heated confrontation earlier this month. During a livestreamed sashing ceremony on November 4, Thai national director Nawat Itsaragrisil reprimanded Bosch for allegedly not adhering to promotional guidelines. When she attempted to respond, he called security, prompting widespread backlash, walkouts and expressions of solidarity from contestants and activists, as well as a public apology from organizers.
Bosch’s win was met with loud cheers and Mexican flags waving throughout the arena. Speaking to reporters afterward, she said she hoped to be remembered as someone who challenged narrow expectations of what a Miss Universe titleholder should be, describing herself as “a real person that gives the heart.” She also praised the pageant for providing “a platform that is strong because they have the space that women are searching to have a voice.”
Thailand’s Praveenar Singh was named first runner-up, followed by Venezuela’s Stephany Adriana Abasali Nasser in third place. Ahtisa Manalo of the Philippines and Olivia Yacé of Ivory Coast rounded out the top five.
The controversy that surrounded Bosch throughout the competition ultimately amplified her profile, with many arguing that her calm response to the confrontation helped galvanize support among viewers and fellow competitors.
