A new queen has ascended. Fatima Bosch of Mexico has been crowned Miss Universe, a victory arriving amidst a whirlwind of controversy and unexpected challenges that defined this year’s competition.
The path to the crown wasn’t smooth. Weeks before the final event near Bangkok, Thailand, a fiery confrontation between Bosch and a pageant official went viral, casting a shadow over the proceedings. Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig, the outgoing Miss Universe, gracefully passed on her crown, but the air was thick with unspoken tension.
The final results saw Miss Thailand, Praveenar Singh, claim the first runner-up position, followed by Miss Venezuela, Stephany Abasali. Miss Philippines, Ma Ahtisa Manalo, secured fourth place, and Miss Cote d’Ivoire, Olivia Yace, rounded out the top five.
The viral video showed pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly reprimanding Bosch, accusing her of refusing to participate in promotional activities and disregarding instructions from her national director. The exchange escalated quickly, with harsh words exchanged and accusations flying.
Bosch, visibly upset, immediately responded, stating, “Your director is not respectful. He called me dumb.” The moment sparked an immediate and powerful reaction. Contestants, led by the reigning Miss Universe, Theilvig, walked out in a stunning display of solidarity with Bosch.
The Miss Universe Organization released a statement emphasizing its commitment to respect and collaboration, but the damage was done. The incident ignited a debate about the treatment of contestants and the pressures they face within the demanding world of pageantry.
The controversy didn’t end there. Just days before the competition, a judge, Omar Harfouch, resigned, alleging that the finalists had been predetermined by an unofficial panel. This claim further eroded trust in the fairness of the selection process.
Adding to the drama, Miss Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, suffered a frightening fall during the evening gown competition. She was rushed to a hospital on a stretcher, and her absence was keenly felt during the finale. Her current condition remains unknown, adding a layer of concern to an already turbulent event.
Despite the turmoil, Fatima Bosch persevered. Her crowning represents not just a personal triumph, but perhaps a turning point for the Miss Universe Organization, forcing a reckoning with issues of respect, fairness, and the well-being of its contestants.
Bosch’s victory is a testament to her resilience and grace under pressure. She steps into the role of Miss Universe at a pivotal moment, inheriting a legacy of beauty, but also a responsibility to advocate for positive change within the organization and beyond.
