Fatima Bosch crowned Miss Universe as pageant faces turmoil and leadership rift

Thailand – Mexico’s Fatima Bosch claimed the Miss Universe crown in Thailand on Friday, ending one of the most chaotic seasons in the pageant’s long history. She won the 74th title after weeks of drama, public disputes, and leadership conflicts that shook the global brand.

A Victory Shadowed by Controversy

Bosch, 25, entered the contest with strong fan support. Yet earlier this month, she made headlines when she walked out of an event in Bangkok. Thai organiser Nawat Itsaragrasil scolded her in front of contestants for not posting promotional content. When she objected, he called security and threatened to disqualify anyone who backed her. Bosch left the room, and several contestants followed.

The Miss Universe Organisation quickly condemned Nawat’s behaviour. Mexican businessman Raul Rocha, who runs the organisation, asked his Thai partner to “stop.” Soon after, international executives arrived in Bangkok to take control of operations.

Turmoil Continues Behind the Scenes

The tension worsened when two judges resigned. Lebanese–French musician Omar Harfouch accused organisers of rigging the process by using an “impromptu jury” to pre-select finalists. Hours later, former French footballer Claude Makelele quit, citing personal reasons.
Miss Universe leaders denied all allegations. They said an independent “Beyond the Crown” initiative might have been misunderstood as part of the judging structure.

Then, during the preliminary evening gown round, Miss Jamaica slipped onstage and was taken out on a stretcher. She is recovering in hospital.

Thailand Hosts Amid Global Scrutiny

Thailand hosted the pageant for the fourth time and celebrated its candidate Praveenar Singh finishing second. Venezuela, the Philippines and Côte d’Ivoire rounded out the top five.

The event also highlighted the cultural divide between the Thai organisers in Bangkok and the new Mexican leadership. Analysts say both sides promote different ideas of what Miss Universe should represent.

A Leadership Crisis Unfolds

The organisation is still adjusting to major leadership shifts. Thai mogul Anne Jakrajutatip stepped down as CEO shortly before the event. She had bought Miss Universe in 2022 and introduced sweeping changes, allowing transgender women, married women and mothers to compete. She also removed the age cap.

Her company later filed for bankruptcy, and she handed control to Rocha while relying on Nawat to run the 2025 event. Pageant experts say this split leadership has confused contestants, fans and partners. Former Miss Universe president Paula Shugart said no one knows “who the real leaders are,” creating damage to the brand.

A Global Industry Facing Change

Miss Universe now competes in a digital-first world where TikTok and Instagram shape fan engagement. Many former winners have built massive online followings and use them to promote social causes. The 2018 champion Catriona Gray recently urged millions of followers to support disaster relief in the Philippines.

Still, pageants continue to face criticism for objectifying women. Miss Universe now allows contestants from conservative nations to wear full-body swimsuits during the competition.

A Crown and a Crossroads

Bosch’s victory highlights both the resilience and vulnerability of a global brand under pressure. As the organisation pushes forward, fans, contestants and leaders agree on one point: Miss Universe must empower women to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.