Mexican beauty queen overcomes controversy to win global title

The atmosphere at the Miss Universe 2025 finale was electric as Mexico’s Fatima Bosch was named the winner of the 74th edition of the prestigious pageant. In a ceremony held in Bangkok on Friday, Bosch rose above more than 100 international competitors to take home the crown. The emotional moment culminated when the reigning queen, Victoria Theilvig of Denmark, passed the baton to the beaming Mexican representative.

While the night ended in celebration, the journey to the podium was anything but smooth. Bosch’s victory comes on the heels of a significant scandal that rocked the pageant world just days prior. The tension began during a sash ceremony when pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly confronted Bosch regarding her absence from a promotional photo shoot.

The situation escalated rapidly on a live stream. Itsaragrisil used derogatory language, referring to Bosch as a "dummy," which stunned viewers and fellow delegates alike. Rather than staying silent, Bosch defended herself with dignity. She firmly stated that such behavior was disrespectful to her as a woman and as the representative of her nation.

Her courageous stance triggered a wave of solidarity. In a dramatic show of support, over a dozen contestants, including the outgoing queen Theilvig, walked out of the event. Following the intense backlash, Itsaragrisil issued an apology, claiming his words were misinterpreted and that he had resolved the issue privately.

Who is the new Miss Universe?

Beyond the headlines and drama, Fatima Bosch is a 25-year-old with a passion for advocacy and design. Hailing from Villahermosa in Tabasco, she has long been a champion for animal welfare.

Bosch is also an inspiration for overcoming personal hurdles. She has been open about her life with ADHD, dyslexia, and hyperactivity, often citing these challenges as the source of her resilience and mental fortitude.

Educated in Fashion and Apparel Design at the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, she later expanded her horizons by moving to Italy. Her pageantry career started earnestly in 2018 when she secured the Flor de Oro title, setting her on the path to global stardom.