Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch has been crowned Miss Universe at a ceremony in Bangkok, marking the end of an exceptionally scandal-filled pageant season. The 25-year-old contestant had walked out of an event earlier in November after a Thai official publicly berated her in front of dozens of contestants and threatened to disqualify those who supported her.
That dramatic turn was followed a week later by the resignation of two judges, one of whom accused organisers of rigging the competition. These come as one of the world's longest-running beauty pageants faces questions of its relevancy and a declining audience.
The contest's latest result has added to the controversy, with news of Miss Mexico's win instantly dividing opinion online. Many Mexicans celebrated her victory, as did others who had applauded her walkout. But some have also wondered if organisers gave her the crown to make up for the earlier scandal.
Miss Thailand Praveenar Singh placed first runner up while Miss Venezuela Stephany Abasali placed third, followed by Miss Philippines Ma Ahtisa Manalo and Miss Cote d'Ivoire Olivia Yace.
Drama in Bangkok
Things took a dramatic turn at a pre-pageant ceremony early this month when Thai media mogul and pageant organiser Mr. Nawat Itsaragrasil told off Ms. Bosch for failing to post promotional content. When she objected, Mr. Nawat called security and threatened to disqualify those supporting her. Ms. Bosch then left the room, and others joined her in solidarity, making headlines worldwide.
The Miss Universe Organization condemned Mr. Nawat's behaviour as 'malicious', and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised Ms. Bosch as an 'example of how we women should speak out' against aggression. After Ms. Bosch's crowning, Mr. Nawat posted a one-line statement in Thai on social media, saying: 'A billion words that cannot be said.'
Following the walkout, two judges resigned, alleging that organisers had rigged the selection process. The Miss Universe Organization rejected these claims, asserting transparency in the selection of finalists.
Turbulence at the Top
The recent controversies highlight the cultural and strategic differences between the Thai and Mexican ownership of Miss Universe. The organization is currently facing challenges in maintaining its celebratory and entertaining nature amid regulatory and societal pressures. It remains to be seen whether the new leadership can streamline operations and restore trust in the brand.
What's Next for Miss Universe?
The crowning of Fatima Bosch signals the organization's resolve to remain relevant in a world increasingly dominated by social media and e-commerce. While pageants continue to have strong followings in Latin America and Southeast Asia, criticisms of their relevance persist. Future editions may see further adaptations to accommodate changing societal expectations.
