The Miss Universe 2025 pageant was unforgettable—not just for the glamorous competition but for the fierce controversy that erupted around Fatima Bosch, Miss Mexico. Her courage in standing up against disrespect sparked a wave of reactions, drama, and conversations about fairness and dignity in the pageant world.
Table of Contents
- Background: The Miss Universe 2025 Setting
- The Public Berating Incident
- Contestants’ Walkout and Solidarity
- Fraud Claims and Selection Process Questions
- Reactions from the Organization and Executives
- More About Fatima Bosch: Beyond the Headlines
- What This Means For Pageants Going Forward
Background: The Miss Universe 2025 Setting
The 2025 Miss Universe pageant took place in Thailand at the Impact Challenger Hall with 120 contestants from around the world competing for the crown. Expectations were high, and the atmosphere was charged as the contestants prepared for the final evening of competition.
Fatima Bosch, representing Mexico, was known for her focus on sustainable fashion, mental health advocacy, and community service, making her a standout contestant beyond traditional beauty standards.
The Public Berating Incident
During the sashing ceremony on November 4, an unexpected and disturbing event occurred. The Thai national pageant director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, publicly reprimanded Fatima Bosch for allegedly missing mandatory promotional shoots. The situation quickly escalated when Nawat called her “dumb,” provoking widespread shock and anger.
“What your director did is not respectful – he called me dumb,” Fatima declared firmly to the gathered media. “If it takes away your dignity, you need to go.”
This incident was caught on livestream and rapidly spread across social media, triggering a firestorm about respect, professionalism, and the treatment of women within the pageant community.
Contestants’ Walkout and Solidarity
In a show of extraordinary solidarity and protest, Fatima Bosch walked out of the ceremony, followed by several contestants, including reigning Miss Universe 2024, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark. This mass walkout sent a powerful message: disrespect would not be tolerated.
- More than a dozen contestants joined the walkout.
- The action was met with international media attention and discussions about how female contestants should be treated.
- The walkout became a defining moment of empowerment in the 2025 pageant narrative.
Fraud Claims and Selection Process Questions
Adding fuel to the fire, former Miss Universe judge Omar Harfouch publicly alleged that the contest had been rigged in favor of Fatima Bosch. He claimed that business dealings influenced the outcome and that the ultimate winner was decided by powerful executives prior to the event.
According to Harfouch, an impromptu jury selected semifinalists irregularly, and pressure was applied on judges in advance of the finale. These statements, aired on major platforms, cast a shadow of doubt over the legitimacy of Fatima’s victory, intensifying the controversy.
Reactions from the Organization and Executives
The Miss Universe Organization responded swiftly with statements condemning the public aggression directed at Fatima. Mexican businessman and pageant president Raúl Rocha Cantú described the incident as “serious abuse” and apologized on behalf of the organization.
Nawat Itsaragrisil later issued a public apology, acknowledging that his patience had limits and expressing regret over the discomfort caused. Despite this, there was a strong call from contestants and observers alike for lasting reforms in how the pageant is managed behind the scenes.
More About Fatima Bosch: Beyond the Headlines
Fatima Bosch Fernández is more than just the center of controversy. At 25 years old, she studied fashion both in Mexico and Italy, emphasizing sustainable design and the use of discarded materials. Her activism spans environmental awareness, support for migrants, mental health advocacy, and volunteering with sick children.
Her resilience amid this global scrutiny has only elevated her profile as a role model for empowerment and dignity in the face of adversity.
What This Means For Pageants Going Forward
This 2025 controversy has opened difficult but necessary conversations about respect, fairness, and the treatment of women in international competitions. It has revealed the tensions between traditional pageant protocols and modern expectations about ethics and empowerment.
Many are now watching closely whether these revelations will lead to meaningful changes in pageant operations, judging integrity, and contestant welfare policies in future Miss Universe events.