Fátima Bosch Fernández Wins Miss Universe After Host Calls Her 'Dumb' and Three Judges Resign

Fátima Bosch Fernández, 25, of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025 at the Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi, Bangkok, becoming the pageant’s 74th titleholder.

“Fátima Bosch Fernández of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025 Friday”

Associated Press

She finished ahead of runners-up from Thailand and Venezuela.

Associated Press

News outlets emphasized her win and placement details, noting she was crowned on Nov. 21 and naming Praveenar Singh of Thailand as second and Stephany Abascal of Venezuela as third.

Local reports described a dramatic, turbulent 74th pageant that drew loud cheers and the display of Mexican flags.

The win concluded a season overshadowed by a widely shared pre-pageant confrontation in which Thai pageant director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly berated Bosch, using words variously reported as "dumb" or "dumbhead," prompting Bosch and several contestants to walk out of a livestreamed sashing ceremony.

Multiple outlets described the Nov. 4 incident, with WRAL reporting Bosch accused the director of calling her "dumb."

BBC

Primetimer said video showed Nawat calling her a "dumbhead" (he later said he meant "damage"), and Us Weekly said the dispute arose after Nawat publicly scolded her for not posting promotional content about the host country, which prompted Bosch and several contestants to walk out amid threats of disqualification.

The controversy widened when at least two judges resigned and one judge publicly alleged that finalists or their placements had been pre-selected, claims the Miss Universe Organization denied.

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Bored Panda

Coolfm.ng reported two judges resigned, with one alleging the contest had been rigged.

Nine Honey identified the judges and said composer Omar Harfouch alleged a secret informal jury had pre-selected the Top 30.

Bored Panda said Harfouch accused that finalists had been preselected while organizers denied the claim.

Those departures intensified scrutiny of the selection process during a year already described as chaotic.

The season’s turbulence extended beyond the stage to leadership and financial upheaval inside the Miss Universe organization and its Thai partner.

Hindustan Times reports that former diplomat Mario Búcaro became CEO and Raul Rocha became president after owner Anne Jakrajutatip quietly stepped down amid financial trouble at her JKN Global Group, which later faced a bankruptcy petition and a fraud probe.

El-Balad

The Namibian describes split ownership and cultural clashes between Thai and Latin American partners that observers say have caused confusion and reputational damage.

International Business Times frames these issues as part of broader business shifts as the organization navigates changing viewership and divisive leadership transitions.

Reactions after the incidents were mixed, with Bosch receiving public praise alongside institutional condemnation of the director’s conduct.

“Mexican contestant Fátima Bosch, 25, won this year’s Miss Universe pageant — held before a global TV audience and hosted by Steve Byrne — beating 119 other contestants”

El-Balad

Social media and some former titleholders added volatile commentary.

Hindustan Times

WRAL reports Raúl Rocha condemned Nawat’s behavior and Mexico’s president praised Bosch for speaking up.

International Business Times says Bosch’s win drew viral attention while the Miss Universe Organization reiterated its commitment to dignity, respect and inclusion.

Other outlets show ongoing backlash and controversy, with Bored Panda highlighting former Miss Universe Alicia Machado making racist remarks on Instagram Live.

Nine Honey and KXII reported on onstage mishaps, including Miss Jamaica’s fall and subsequent hospitalization.

Together, the sources show a contest that ended with a crown but left unresolved disputes and reputational damage.