Miss Mexico Crowned Miss Universe 2025 Amid Host Controversy

Miss Mexico Crowned Miss Universe Amid Drama and Determination

Miss Mexico, Fátima Bouch, was crowned Miss Universe in Thailand on Friday, capping a rollercoaster journey to the crown that included dramatic missteps, heated confrontations, and moments of defiance.

The pageant, one of the “big four” international beauty contests, saw contestants from Ivory Coast, the Philippines, Thailand, and Venezuela reach the final round, out of over 120 participants.

Chaos surrounded the event leading up to Bouch’s win. Earlier this month, she staged a walkout during a meeting after Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil chastised her for not posting promotional content on social media. Bouch, accompanied by Miss Iraq, left the room after security was called, prompting others to briefly rise in solidarity before being told to sit.

“What your director did is not respectful: he called me dumb,” Bouch said at the time. “The world needs to see this because we are empowered women, and this is a platform for our voice.”

Speaking at Friday’s press conference, the new Miss Universe reflected on her journey, saying she hoped to be remembered as “a Miss Universe who wasn’t afraid to be herself” and as someone who helped “change, a little bit, the prototype of what is a Miss Universe.”

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised Bouch for standing her ground, calling her “an example of how women should speak out” against aggression. “In public events, I say women look prettier when we speak out,” Sheinbaum added.

Nawat later congratulated Bouch while maintaining that he preferred not to comment extensively on the past dispute. “I respect the result anyway,” he said, adding, “I do support, and congratulations again to Mexico’s fans.”

A Pageant Full of Surprises

Bouch’s triumph captured the attention of Mexican media and social networks, especially after the earlier controversy. In her hometown of Villahermosa, thousands of fans gathered at a baseball stadium to watch the event live. As her victory was announced, the crowd erupted with chants of “Mexico, Mexico!” and fireworks lit up the sky.

The lead-up to the final round saw further drama. Two judges resigned in the week before the pageant—one alleging a “secret and illegitimate vote” outside the official jury. The Miss Universe Organization dismissed this claim, confirming that no unauthorized jury had been created.

Former footballer Claude Makelele also stepped down as a judge due to “unforeseen personal reasons.” Onstage incidents added to the tension: Miss Britain Danielle Latimer fell during the costume round, while Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry was hospitalized after a fall during the evening gown segment. Fortunately, Henry was under medical observation and did not sustain serious injuries.

Despite the setbacks and controversies, Fátima Bouch’s poise, courage, and determination carried her to the crown, proving that strength and confidence can shine through even in the most chaotic of circumstances.