Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, has been crowned the new Miss Universe in Thailand, concluding a highly controversial pageant season. The 25-year-old contestant faced earlier challenges when she walked out of a pre-pageant event after being publicly berated by an official and threatened with disqualification for receiving support from other contestants.
A week later, two judges resigned, one accusing organisers of rigging the competition. Despite these controversies, Bosch claimed the crown, with Thailand’s Praveenar Singh placing second, and Venezuela, the Philippines, and Cote d’Ivoire completing the top five.
The pageant, now in its 74th edition since 1952, is one of the longest-running global beauty competitions. Analysts say the controversies reflect cultural and strategic differences between the pageant’s Thai and Mexican management. Thailand hosted the event for the fourth time, with its contestant considered a fan favorite.
Drama Behind the Scenes
The pageant was organised by Thai media mogul Nawat Itsaragrasil, known for Miss Grand International, while operations are overseen by Mexican businessman Raul Rocha. During a pre-pageant ceremony, Mr. Nawat scolded Bosch for failing to post promotional content, leading to her walkout and solidarity from other contestants.
The Miss Universe Organisation condemned the incident as "malicious," and Mr. Rocha intervened remotely, asking his Thai partner to stop. Mr. Nawat later apologised, claiming misunderstandings, and an international delegation was sent to oversee the competition.
Judge Resignations and Allegations
Shortly after, Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch and former French footballer Claude Makelele resigned from the jury, with Harfouch alleging pre-selection of finalists. The organisation dismissed these claims, clarifying that the independent Beyond the Crown program operates separately from the main competition.
During the preliminary evening gown round, Miss Jamaica suffered a fall onstage and was rushed to hospital, adding to the event's drama.
Changing Leadership and Inclusivity
Miss Universe has recently undergone significant leadership changes. Thai transgender media mogul Anne Jakrajutatip resigned as CEO just before the pageant, replaced by Guatemalan diplomat Mario Bucaro. Jakrajutatip’s tenure saw inclusivity reforms, allowing transgender women, married women, and mothers to compete, while removing age limits.
Experts note that the division of leadership between Mexico and Thailand has created confusion for fans and contestants alike, affecting the brand’s clarity and reputation.
The Future of Miss Universe
While viewership for the broadcast has declined, social media platforms have transformed former titleholders into influencers. The Thai side of the competition seeks to monetise via live merchandise sales, while Latin American audiences still celebrate contestants as television celebrities.
Despite controversies, former Miss Universe presidents and queens emphasise the pageant’s mission to empower women. They stress that Miss Universe is meaningful only if it actively supports and empowers the contestants.
