Who is Fatima Bosch, the controversial winner of Miss Universe crowned in Bangkok, and what country is she from?

Miss Universe 2025 winner Fátima Bosch, just 25, carried Mexico with poise and purpose. What began as a beauty contest she barely knew became a crowning moment – the fourth time a Mexican contestant has earned a title worth $4 million representing women everywhere through every choice she makes.

The pageant, held in Thailand, was a complete success despite the resignations disclosed by contestants and judges in recent weeks and hours. With confidence and flair, the 2025 edition of Miss Universe unfolded as each participant stepped out to showcase her wardrobe and express her convictions through the messages and speeches she shared.

Bosch kept Mexico on the edge of its seat throughout the broadcast of the final. Emotions ran high when she was named among the top five nations, standing shoulder to shoulder with:

• Praveenar Singh – Thailand
• Htisa Manalo – Philippines
• Stephany Abasali – Venezuela
• Olivia Yace – Ivory Coast

One question proved decisive for the judges in granting Bosch the crown: “From your perspective, what are the challenges of being a woman in 2025, and how would you use the Miss Universe title to create a safe space for women?”

Her clear and forceful reply was: “As women and as Miss Universe, I want to raise my voice and use it in service of others, because today we are here to create change. We must stand tall with courage, because women who stand with courage are the ones who make history.”

Fátima Bosch becomes the fourth Mexican to win Miss Universe, before her were: Lupita Jones (1991), Ximena Navarrete (2010), and Andrea Meza (2021).

Why was Bosch’s Miss Universe win controversial?

Bosch’s Miss Universe win triggered sharp debate after earlier clashes with Thai businessman Nawat Itsaragrisil resurfaced. He had publicly criticised her for skipping required promotional events, leading to public confrontations captured on social media, including him shouting and calling security to remove her. Bosch later said he insulted her, calling her “dumb.”

The feud somewhat overshadowed the competition and fueled claims that her victory stemmed from sympathy rather than performance. Critics argued stronger contenders, including Côte d’Ivoire and the Philippines, were overlooked. Supporters and detractors remain split, with some calling the result undeserved amid a drama-heavy pageant that continued to escalate.

Reactions to Fatima Bosch’s victory

Controversy aside, her victory electrified Tabasco and the whole of Mexico, and congratulations poured in almost instantly. Messages came from every corner – from Quintana Roo governor Mara Lezama, journalists such as Pamela Cerdeira, the Guadalajara football club and thousands of ecstatic fans online.

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