Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch has been crowned Miss Universe at a ceremony in Bangkok, marking the end of an exceptionally scandal-filled pageant season. The 25-year-old contestant had walked out of an event earlier in November after a Thai official publicly berated her in front of dozens of contestants and threatened to disqualify those who supported her.
That dramatic turn was followed a week later by the resignation of two judges, one of whom accused organisers of rigging the competition. These events come as one of the world's longest-running beauty pageants faces questions of its relevancy and a declining audience.
The contest's latest result has added to the controversy, with news of Miss Mexico's win instantly dividing opinion online. Many Mexicans celebrated her victory, as did others who had applauded her walkout. But some have also wondered if organisers gave her the crown to make up for the earlier scandal.
Miss Thailand Praveenar Singh placed first runner up while Miss Venezuela Stephany Abasali placed third, followed by Miss Philippines Ma Ahtisa Manalo and Miss Cote d'Ivoire Olivia Yace.
Things took a dramatic turn at a pre-pageant ceremony early this month, when Thai media mogul and pageant organiser Mr Nawat Itsaragrasil told off Ms Bosch for failing to post promotional content. When she objected, Mr Nawat called security and threatened to disqualify those supporting her. Ms Bosch then left the room, prompting others to join her in solidarity.
The Miss Universe Organization condemned Mr Nawat's behaviour as 'malicious', drawing support from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who praised Bosch as an example of standing up against aggression.
After Ms Bosch's crowning, controversy continued, with criticisms on social media suggesting that the walkout incident may have influenced her victory. Some fans remarked that next year's winner would likely also be a contestant who walks out in protest.
Though this year's pageant saw significant drama involving protests and accusations of rigging, it reflects larger issues facing beauty pageants today — including declining viewership and evolving expectations around women's empowerment.
As Miss Universe continues to adapt to changing cultural contexts, it aims to maintain its relevance, while criticisms regarding its approach to womanhood and representation persist.
