Miss Universe crowns its new winner: Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch wins days after her viral confrontation caused a mass walkout

Miss Universe has crowned its winner for 2025: Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch.

Competitors from over 130 countries and territories competed for the crown at the 74th Miss Universe final, but on Thursday the winner was announced in Bangkok, Thailand.

Bosch was elated with the win, particularly after her appearance made headlines worldwide in the early stages of the competition due to an altercation with a pageant executive that caused a mass walkout from other contestants.

The top 30 took to the stage for the swimsuit portion of the event, before a top 12 were announced.

Following this, the final dozen entered the eveningwear portion of the finale – where one contestant, Miss Jamaica, accidentally fell from the stage.

Closing out the night, 12 became the final five – Thailand, Phillipines, Venezuela, Mexico and Côte d'Ivoire.

They took part in a Q&A, but ultimately it was Miss Mexico that took the crown.

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It might come as a surprise to many, after the controversy that hit the competition involving Miss Mexico in the early stages of the competition.

During a pre-pageant 'sashing' ceremony, Thai Pageant Executive Nawat Itsaraggrisil publicly confronted Miss Universe contestant Bosch, accusing her – in a livestreamed event – of failing to participate in promotional material.

The exchange escalated into a verbal clash, resulting in Itsaraggrisil insulting Bosch and prompting a mass walk-out by other contestants.

During the livestreamed event, Itsaraggrisil confronted Bosch, asking her why she hadn't participated in a group photoshoot alongside her fellow contestants.

He was heard saying, "I heard you're not going to support everything about Thailand, is that true?"

He then went on to berate her for obeying direct orders from the Mexican national director over Thai Pageant officials, saying, "If you follow the orders from your national director, you are a dumb head."

When Bosch attempted to respond to his comments, he cut her off and reportedly said, "I didn't hear you asking to talk."

In a press conference, Itsaragrisil said he didn't use the phrase "dumb head" as reported.

"I didn't say 'dumb head', even one second. I said 'damage'. If she believed and listened to [her] national director, it's 'damage'," he said.

In response, Bosch was seen getting to her feet to address Itsaraggrisil.

"I have a voice. You are not respecting me as a woman," she said.

"I'm here representing my country and it's not my fault you have problems with my organisation."

She later fronted to Thai media, voicing her disappointment in the interaction, saying, "Your director is not respectful. He called me dumb."

She then went on to make a broader statement regarding the exchange, saying, "We're in the 21st century, and I'm not a doll to be made up, styled and have my clothes changed. I came here to be a voice for all the women and all the girls."

In a video statement, MUO President Raul Rocha Cantu later said, "I will not allow the values of respect and dignity towards women to be violated."

"Unfortunately, Nuwat has forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host.

"I would like to make it clear my great indignation toward Nawat for the public aggression he committed against Fátima Bosch, whom he humiliated, insulted and he showed a lack of respect, in addition to the serious abuse of having called security to intimidate a defenceless woman, trying to silence and exclude her.

"Nawat, you need to stop."

As if a mass walkout was not enough, Miss Universe was dealt yet another blow just three days out from the start of the competition.

Not one, but two members of this year's official judging panel resigned following accusations that have emerged of the pageant pre-selecting finalists.

Omar Harfouch and Claude Makélélé both separately announced their resignations from the selection committee on Instagram.

Harfouch, a Lebanese composer and musician alleged a an "informal jury" – including members with personal relationships to some of the contestants – had been assembled in secret to select the 30 Miss Universe finalists.

Makélélé was not quite as forthcoming with his reasons for doing so. The former professional football player also took to Instagram, but didn't give too much away in regards to the reason behind his untimely departure.

The controversy-plagued Miss Universe competition faced another incident in Bangkok when Miss Jamaica, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, was hospitalised after falling off the stage during the prelimanry evening gown category.

Shocking footage showed the moment Henry, strutting in an orange gown with a floaty chiffon train, accidentally stepped off the runway's edge.

Screams and gasps could be heard from the audience as she dropped to the ground.

Henry was rushed to the Paolo Rangsit in the Thai capital and did not sustain any life-threatening injuries, but it only added to the headlines of the drama-filled event.

"Dr Gabrielle Henry, Miss Universe Jamaica 2025, experienced a fall from the main stage during the evening gown round," a statement from her team read.

"Medical professionals are attending to her care and have advised that she is not suffering from any life-threatening injuries; however, they continue to conduct tests to ensure her full recovery.

"We kindly ask everyone to stay upbeat, lift her in prayer, and send positive thoughts as she receives the necessary medical care."

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