By Megan CartwrightShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberMiss Mexico Fatima Bosch was crowned the winner of the 2025 Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand weeks after scandal.
Newsweek reached out to Bosch via Instagram for comment on Friday.
Why It Matters
The Miss Universe pageant, one of the world’s most-watched and influential beauty competitions, drew global attention for reasons beyond Bosch's win. The 25-year-old became the center of controversy when a host executive publicly scolded her, leading to a contestant walkout and widespread debate on women's empowerment and treatment in global pageantry.
What To Know
On Friday, Bosch took home the evening's top prize. Miss Thailand Praveenar Singh placed second in the competition, while Miss Venezuela Stephany Abasali placed third.
Following her win, Bosch spoke out in a video message posted to her Instagram Stories, which was translated by Newsweek. She said in full:
How do you feel?
"I feel super excited, full of emotions, of nostalgia, of all the work, of everything we experienced during this concentration week. And well, I knew that [wearing] that sash for Mexico, I had to come out strong to represent all the women who believed in me and all the people who gave their love and support. So it wasn't just coming out for myself, but coming out for all those people who deserve to be heard. And I don't know, I have…I'm in shock, this is a dream and I think I will process it tomorrow or in a few hours because right now I'm enjoying it and in shock."
What would you say to all those Latina girls who are finding inspiration in your story tonight?
"I would tell them to always believe in themselves, in the beauty of their soul, of their voice, of what they are capable of achieving. Never let anyone make them doubt their worth because, truly, if they put a dream in their heart, you have the capacity to achieve it. And obviously, the path isn't going to be easy because obstacles arise, but never give up because of that, because if you work hard you are going to achieve it. And I send you all my love and good vibes."
...On November 4, at a livestreamed sashing ceremony in Bangkok, Thai national director Nawat Itsaragrisil reprimanded Bosch for allegedly not participating in a sponsor shoot and other organizational activities. According to video footage posted on Miss Universe Thailand's Facebook page, Itsaragrisil called security to remove Bosch after she defended herself. Bosch left the venue, joined by several contestants including the reigning Miss Universe 2024, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark, in a show of solidarity. The incident triggered a global social media outcry, with hashtags such as #StandWithMexico and #JusticeForFatima trending internationally, Life & Style reported.
What People Are Saying
Bosch said in a viral TikTok video posted by @ahtisa_universeph after the walkout: "What your director just did is not respectful. He called me dumb because he have problems with the organization. And I think that's not fair because I'm here and I do everything OK. I don't mess with anyone. I just try to be kind. I'm trying to give my best, and he just shot me [down] and he just said to me and shut up and a lot of different things. And I think that the world needs to see this because we are empowered women, and this is a platform for our voice. And no one can shut our voice. No one will do that to me."
Miss Universe President Raul Rocha said: "I will not allow the values of respect and dignity toward women to be violated. Unfortunately, Nawat has forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host…I would like to make it clear my great indignation toward Nawat for the public aggression he committed against Fatima Bosch, Miss Universe Mexico, whom he humiliated, insulted and showed a lack of respect, in addition to the serious abuse of having called security to intimidate a defenseless woman."
Itsaragrisil apologized for his remarks in a livestream, per The Latin Times: "If someone doesn't feel well, if someone feels uncomfortable, if anyone was affected, I apologize to everyone. I already spoke and apologized to the rest of the girls in the room, about 75 girls."
Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig said in a message posted to her Instagram Stories: "Forever proud of my @fatimaboschfdz. Standing up for yourself is not always easy, but it is one of the most important acts of self-respect and strength you can show. It means knowing your worth, setting boundaries, and not allowing anyone or anything to undermine your voice or your value. It's about acknowledging that you have a right to be heard, to express your opinions, and to pursue your dreams, regardless of any obstacles that may come your way. Enough is enough, and our voices will be heard loud and clear!"
Mexico’s first woman president, Claudia Sheinbaum, said in a statement per NBC News: "It seems to me that it is an example of how women should raise our voices…"We women look more beautiful when we raise our voice and participate, because that has to do with the recognition of our rights."
What Happens Next
According to the Miss Universe website's schedule of activities, contestants are expected to depart on Saturday, November 22 following the competition's conclusion.
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