The deafening sound of applause filled the room as a crown was placed atop the winner of Miss Universe 2025. After tireless hours of travel between cities, various events and rehearsals, Fátima Bosch of Mexico was crowned winner of the renowned competition.
Though many praised Bosch for her inspiring words to countless young girls and women, others suspected the organizers gave her the crown to make up for a scandal that took place earlier in the competition: Thailand’s public beration of Bosch.
Nawat Itsaragrisil, a Thai media personality best known as the CEO of the Miss Grand International organization, a National Director for Miss Thailand and an Executive Director of the Miss Universe organization, was publicly dismissed from his duties after seemingly calling Bosch a “dumbhead.” According to USA Today, he expressed remorse in a recent press conference, claiming that he was human and hadn’t intended to do anything of that sort while claiming that he had spoken of her causing “damage” rather than referring to her as a “dumbhead.” During his short period as a director for the Miss Universe organization, Itsaragrisil had threatened to call security and disqualify further contestants that followed Bosch after her walkout. During the inauguration of the Miss Universe contestants, Bosch had walked out of the room after Itsaragril had publicly insulted her in front of the cameras and other participants. He had publicly stated those who wanted to continue the contest would have to remain seated whereas those who stepped out alongside Miss Mexico would immediately be disqualified.
BBC described how, among many that walked out that day, reigning Miss Universe, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark, had remarked, “This is about women’s rights, this is not how things should be handled. To trash another girl is beyond disrespectful… That’s why I’m taking my coat and I’m walking out.” Meanwhile, in a video statement, the president of the Miss Universe organization, Roel Rocha, had said that Nawat had “forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host.” Furthermore, he added that the Thai official had had “humiliated, insulted and showed a lack of respect” to Bosch, and committed the “serious abuse of having called security to intimidate a defenceless woman.”
Currently, Nawat’s participation in the pageant has been severely limited or eliminated entirely, as well as the MUO taking legal action against him. In his final statement, Rocha added that he wanted to reiterate that the Miss Universe competition was meant to be an empowerment platform for women so that their voices may be heard and will continue to follow that policy.
Before her win, Miss Universe 2025 had said, “I just want to let my country know, I’m not afraid to make my voice heard. It’s here stronger than ever. I have a purpose. I have things to say,” according to a news report by NBC. She added all the contestants were living in the 21st century, and they weren’t to be treated or used as dolls to be made up, styled, and have their clothes changed. With a strong push towards women’s empowerment, she spoke of being a part of the Miss Universe competition to serve as a voice for women and girls across the country. She hoped that by using her platform, her country would know that she was completely committed to the cause.
With the walkouts and Thailand controversy, there have been a wide range of views on the validity of Bosch’s win. Yashaswini Koppu (‘29), a student at Green Hope High School, said that she “ thinks that [Bosch] deserves the title of Miss Universe. She has inspired a lot of girls to stand up for themselves, however I understand why people would think this is some sort of peace offering though, since many people would side against Mr. Nawat because of the incident. However, I think she deserves the title of Miss Universe anyway.” The criticism Bosch received from the competition’s host country, Thailand, combined with her victory have led many to believe the outcome was a form of apology for the scandal.
After the debatable win of Fátima Bosch, Omar Hafouch, a Lebanese composer, had insisted that Bosch was a “fake winner,” claiming that the Top 30 list had been chosen in secret long before the judges ever cast a vote. He claimed that Bosch’s family had tried to sway the vote, though the Miss Universe organization denied such accusations.
Another Green Hope student, Nadia Andrews (‘29), shared her thoughts on the controversy. “I think that Bosch deserved to win Miss Universe. She didn’t do anything harmful or unreasonable and she had a right to stand up for herself.” Andrews added, “The entire point of the Miss Universe pageant is for women to be empowered and by disrespecting them, that goes against the very nature of the competition.” One of the many rules of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) does not permit behavior that violates their core principles of dignity, respect, and empowerment of women.
As the Miss Universe competition for the current year comes to an end, it will be sure to be remembered as an “exceptionally scandal-filled competition,” as described by BBC. Though different opinions have been fought over Fátima Bosch’s debatable win, the results have been favored towards Bosch, who gladly hopes to bring purpose for women throughout the 2026 year.
