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 over 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.
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 in front of dozens of contestants 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 around the world.
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' in the face of aggression. After Ms Bosch's crowning, Mr Nawat posted a one-line statement on his social media accounts, saying: 'A billion words that cannot be said.'
On social media, fans said the backstage drama helped Ms Bosch clinch the crown. Mr Harfouch, one of the resigned judges, alleged rigging before and after the finals. This year's Miss Universe pageant, now with new ownership, continues to adapt to a changing audience as it strives to balance tradition with modern demands.
