Fatima Bosch’s dramatic walkout, judge resignations, accusations of rigging, cultural clashes between Thai and Mexican leadership and onstage mishaps made this the most turbulent Miss Universe season in decades, turning the crowning of Mexico’s queen into a global spectacle of scandal and shifting power.
Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch was crowned the new Miss Universe in Thailand, ending a pageant season filled with extraordinary controversy. The 25 year old won the title despite earlier walking out of a pre pageant event after a Thai official harshly reprimanded her in front of contestants and threatened to disqualify anyone who supported her. Her departure triggered widespread backlash and a solidarity walkout from fellow contestants. Soon after, two judges resigned, with one claiming that organisers manipulated the competition.
Miss Universe, one of the world’s longest running beauty pageants, now finds itself navigating cultural and strategic clashes between its Thai and Mexican leadership teams. Analysts say the friction between ownership groups has shaped many of the conflicts seen this year. The final results placed Thailand’s Praveenar Singh as first runner up, followed by delegates from Venezuela, the Philippines and Cote d’Ivoire. Thailand has hosted Miss Universe four times and Southeast Asia continues to show strong influence due to rising pageant fandoms.
The dramatic tension began earlier this month during a pre pageant ceremony when Thai media mogul Nawat Itsaragrasil scolded Bosch for not posting promotional content. When Bosch objected, he called security and warned that those supporting her could be removed. The Miss Universe Organisation condemned his actions as malicious, prompting Mexican businessman Raul Rocha, who oversees the main operation, to intervene. After Nawat apologised, an international team was sent to take over the competition’s management.
Soon after, Lebanese French musician Omar Harfouch resigned from the pageant jury and alleged that an unofficial panel had pre selected finalists before the main judging. Former footballer Claude Makelele also stepped down, citing personal reasons. The Miss Universe Organisation denied rigging allegations and said Harfouch might be referring to the Beyond the Crown programme, a separate social impact initiative unrelated to the final selection. During preliminary rounds, Miss Jamaica fell on stage and was taken to hospital, adding to the week’s turbulence.
Leadership challenges grew more visible as Miss Universe entered a new era. Thai businesswoman Anne Jakrajutatip, who bought the organisation in 2022, introduced major changes such as allowing transgender women, married women and women with children to participate. She also removed the age limit to make the competition more inclusive. Her entertainment company later faced financial struggles, filing for bankruptcy in 2023. Before stepping down as CEO, she partnered with Rocha and appointed Nawat to manage the 2025 event.
Industry experts describe the transition as unstable, with responsibilities split between executives in Bangkok and Mexico. This divide has created confusion for contestants and fans. Under previous owners, including Endeavor and earlier Donald Trump, the leadership structure was clearer. Observers also highlighted cultural differences, noting that pageant expectations in Thailand differ from those in Latin America. Some Latin American fans questioned Jakrajutatip’s role due to conservative attitudes in the region.
Despite controversies, Miss Universe continues to evolve into a digital media brand. Pageant followings have shifted from television to platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where past titleholders build large audiences and extend their influence. While Nawat’s Thai based format emphasises e commerce and live broadcast merchandising, Latin American audiences still prefer traditional glamour based pageantry. A reality show produced for that market even crowned a Miss Universe Latina representative who competed in Bangkok.
Even as the business side draws criticism, former winners continue to promote charitable causes. The 2018 titleholder mobilised millions of followers to support clean water projects after natural disasters in the Philippines. Debates over objectification persist, though contestants from conservative countries were permitted full body swimsuits while others wore two piece bikinis.
Despite loud criticism, many believe pageants still hold value when focused on empowering women. Former leaders stress that Miss Universe must prioritise its core mission of uplifting contestants. As Fatima Bosch begins her reign, she steps into a global brand wrestling with identity, leadership conflict and cultural shifts, but still determined to remain relevant.
