New Miss Universe Crowned Amid Pageant Storm
Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, has been crowned the new Miss Universe in Thailand, bringing a turbulent pageant season to a close.
Her win comes after weeks of intense scrutiny over how the competition was handled and the conduct of senior organisers.
The 25-year-old became the focus of controversy earlier this month when she walked out of a pre-pageant event after a Thai organiser publicly reprimanded her for not posting promotional material.
Several contestants left the room in solidarity, prompting the Miss Universe Organisation to label the behaviour of official “malicious”.
The fallout escalated when two judges resigned days before the final. One accused organisers of manipulating the selection process, while another withdrew citing personal reasons.
Pageant officials rejected claims of interference, insisting that an independent “social impact” programme had been confused with the main judging panel.
Despite the tensions, the contest concluded with the Praveenar Singh fro Thailand finishing as first runner-up.
Venezuela, the Philippines and Côte d’Ivoire completed the top five. Thailand, hosting the event for the fourth time, saw high expectations for its own delegate.
This year’s event unfolded as the organisation adjusted to a shift in leadership.
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Thai media figure Anne Jakrajutatip stepped down shortly before the competition, leaving newly appointed Guatemalan diplomat Mario Bucaro to assume the chief executive role.
Jakrajutatip, who bought the pageant in 2022 and expanded its eligibility to include transgender and married women, departed after her company filed for bankruptcy.
Further tension emerged during the preliminary rounds when Miss Jamaica fell on stage and exited the venue on a stretcher. She is recovering in hospital, according to organisers.
Industry experts argue that Miss Universe is struggling to define its identity in a digital era dominated by social media.
Former winners now reach millions through their own platforms, while contests compete with online influencers for visibility.
The organisation has attempted to reposition the brand for younger audiences, pushing content on TikTok and other platforms.
Yet former leaders insist that the competition’s relevance ultimately depends on its ability to support the women who participate.
“Miss Universe is nothing if you’re not empowering the women that compete,” said former president Paula Shugart.
