Fátima Bosch Fernández of Mexico has been crowned the 74th Miss Universe, weeks after a public dispute with a pageant official that sparked widespread criticism and internal turmoil.
Bosch, 25, drew global attention earlier this month when she walked out of a livestreamed sashing ceremony after Thai official Nawat Itsaragrisil scolded her for allegedly missing promotional activities. “If it takes away your dignity, you need to go,” she later told reporters.
The incident triggered deeper unrest within the organization. Two judges resigned in the days that followed. Lebanese French composer Omar Harfouch accused the Miss Universe Organization of using a “secret vote” to preselect contestants and said he was considering legal action. Former French footballer Claude Makélélé stepped down citing personal reasons. The organization denied any irregularities.
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Bosch was crowned winner on Friday. Praveener Singh of Thailand finished as first runner up and Stephany Adriana Abasali Nasser of Venezuela placed third.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum praised Bosch, saying her response showed “how women should raise our voices” and commended her for handling the situation “in a dignified way.”
Nawat later issued an emotional apology and said, “If anyone was affected and not comfortable it happened, I am so sorry.”
Meanwhile, Jamaican contestant Garbielle Henry is recovering in hospital after falling offstage during a preliminary event earlier in the week.