The crowning of Fátima Bosch as Miss Universe 2025 has ignited a storm of reactions, including boos, fraud allegations, internal tensions, and resignations from judges.
What was meant to be a celebratory evening at the Impact Arena in Pak Kret, Thailand, turned into one of the most controversial chapters in the history of the world's most recognized beauty pageant.
A Victory Amidst Jeers and Boos
Fátima Bosch, representing Mexico and now the fourth universal beauty queen from that country, was declared the winner amidst a mix of applause, jeers, and disbelief.
Her victory took much of the audience by surprise, especially the local crowd who had favored their own contestant, the Thai representative Veena Praveenar Singh.
Videos circulated on TikTok illustrate how the dissatisfaction spilled beyond the venue. What should have been the culmination of weeks of competition was marred by an uneasy atmosphere.
On stage, as Bosch received the golden crown adorned with diamonds and pearls, the sounds of disapproval highlighted the rift between the organization, the jury, and the public.
Fraud Allegations: An Internal Rift
Rumors of rigging in selecting the winner began circulating days before the gala. Franco-Lebanese pianist Omar Harfouch, one of the invited judges, announced his withdrawal from the pageant, citing serious irregularities.
“There was a secret vote to select the top 30 without the jury’s involvement,” he claimed.
He described the process as “opaque, corrupt,” and suggested there were interests between the president of MUO and Bosch’s father, Bernarno Bosch, a businessman connected to Pemex.
“It wasn’t a transparent election. The organization had already decided the winner,” he declared on Instagram, stating he was considering legal action for abuse of power, corruption, and conflict of interest. He referred to Bosch as “a fake Miss Universe.”
Some of the Mexican press did not hesitate to detail what they considered a completely rigged victory.
Other original jury members also distanced themselves from the event without clear explanations.
Former French footballer Claude Makélélé announced he would not participate in future editions.
Brazilian artist Romero Britto, also announced as a judge, did not attend the gala. The absences, combined with rumors, fueled distrust.
Silence from the Organization and Press Censorship
Rather than calming the situation, the Miss Universe organization chose to shield the new queen from the press.
In her first press conference as Miss Universe, uncomfortable questions were barred: journalists had to submit their questions in advance, and none regarding the allegations were allowed.
This act of censorship fueled further suspicion.
Simultaneously, the organization announced legal action against Harfouch but did not issue any official comment on the fraud allegations, the business ties mentioned, or the voting system's integrity.
Divided Reactions: National Pride vs. Global Outrage
On platforms like X and TikTok, opinions were split. Many international users labeled Bosch's selection as a “robbery,” “fraud,” or “farce,” questioning the contest’s legitimacy.
“Things will never be the same,” posted the specialized page Real Pageanthology.
“MUO chooses the winner regardless,” it concluded.
However, from the Mexican and Latin American side, there were expressions of pride, passionate defense, and excitement.
“Whenever Mexico wins, they say it's fraud,” read multiple comments.
Others highlighted her preparation, charisma, and authenticity.
“The joy of Tabasco, Mexico, and many Latin Americans won’t be taken from us. And neither will the crown from Fátima Bosch,” wrote one user.
The Incident that Sparked the Scandal
The controversy did not erupt out of nowhere.
Fátima Bosch's name had already gained prominence weeks earlier due to an incident during the sash ceremony.
During the event, the director of the Miss Universe Thailand organizing committee and president of Miss Grand International, Nawat Itsaragrisil, publicly reprimanded the Mexican for “not posting enough content” on her social media promoting the event.
In a humiliating tone and in front of live cameras, he called her “stupid” and ordered her out of the room.
Fátima, instead of remaining silent, stood up and demanded respect. That gesture sparked a wave of solidarity.
Other contestants exited the hall in support, and figures like Miss USA 2023, Noelia Voigt, condemned the treatment the Mexican received.
Even Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised her as a symbol of female resistance: “An example of women who must speak up and set boundaries.”
Public apologies from Nawat, one tearful, failed to contain the media fallout.
Raúl Rocha, president of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), intervened in defense of Bosch, warning of possible legal action against Nawat.
Although both later met in Bangkok and claimed to have “smoothed things over,” it was never publicly clarified if the lawsuits would proceed.
A Chaotic Edition: Beyond the Crown
Miss Universe 2025 will not only be remembered for Bosch’s controversial victory but also for the series of unfortunate events that marked it from the start.
From Miss Jamaica's fall on stage to the social media scandal when Miss Chile pretended to snort cocaine on TikTok, along with racist accusations and derogatory remarks towards the Thai director, the pageant unfolded more like a reality show than a competition of elegance and purpose.
The conflict between the pageant’s two heads, Raúl Rocha and Nawat Itsaragrisil, symbolizes the tensions between two strategic visions: transforming Miss Universe into a product for social media and e-commerce versus the traditional declining televised format.
Since the contest was purchased by trans entrepreneur Anne Jakrajutatip in 2022 and opened to married women, those with children, and with no age limit, Miss Universe is undergoing a redefinition phase but also a crisis of credibility.
Epílogue: What’s Next?
In her speech as the crowned queen, Fátima Bosch tried to unite in the face of adversity: “I know this crown represents not only the title of a beautiful woman but also the ability to do something with it.”
In another intervention, she insisted: “Never let anyone make you doubt your work... your voice has to be heard.”
But the queen’s words have not managed to quell the doubts surrounding her victory.
Amidst a fractured pageant, with resignations, accusations, and silence, the central question remains unanswered: Was Fátima Bosch truly the rightful winner? Or, as some have suggested, was it a pre-determined coronation, serving cross interests?
The story of Miss Universe 2025, far from closing with a crown, is just beginning. And with it, a debate about the future, ethics, and legitimacy of one of the world’s most influential contests.
Key Questions about Miss Universe 2025 Controversy
What sparked the controversy surrounding Miss Universe 2025?
The controversy was sparked by allegations of fraud and internal tensions during the crowning of Fátima Bosch as Miss Universe 2025. The situation was exacerbated by resignations from judges and accusations of irregularities in the selection process.
What were the main allegations made against the Miss Universe Organization?
The main allegations included claims of a secret voting process, lack of transparency, and potential conflicts of interest involving the organization and Fátima Bosch's father. These allegations raised questions about the legitimacy of the pageant results.
How did the Miss Universe Organization respond to the allegations?
The organization responded by shielding the new queen from the press, barring uncomfortable questions during press conferences, and announcing potential legal action against one of the judges who made the allegations. However, they did not comment on the specific accusations or the integrity of the voting system.