Fátima Bosch Fernández of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025 on Friday in Bangkok, emerging victorious from one of the most contentious and emotionally charged editions of the global pageant. The 25-year-old’s win capped a dramatic week in which she became the focus of a public confrontation and a wave of solidarity from fellow contestants.

Thailand’s Praveenar Singh, 29, was named first runner-up, while Venezuela’s Stephany Adriana Abasali Nasser, 25, finished third. Rounding out the top five were Ahtisa Manalo, 28, of the Philippines, and Ivory Coast’s Olivia Yacé, 27.

This year’s Miss Universe competition was overshadowed by controversy stemming from a tense incident earlier this month. During a livestreamed sashing ceremony on Nov. 4, Thai national director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly reprimanded Bosch for allegedly failing to follow instructions regarding local promotional events. After Bosch defended herself, Nawat called security. Bosch then walked out — joined by several contestants, including the reigning Miss Universe 2024, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark.

“What your director did is not respectful; he called me dumb,” Bosch told Thai reporters afterward. “If it takes away your dignity, you need to go.”

The incident ignited backlash online and within the pageant community. Miss Universe Organization president Raúl Rocha Cantú condemned Nawat’s behavior as “public aggression” and “serious abuse.” Even Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, publicly praised Bosch for standing her ground.

“She gave her disagreement in a dignified way,” Sheinbaum said at a press conference in Mexico City. “Women look more beautiful when we raise our voice — not when we stay silent.”

Facing mounting criticism, Nawat later delivered a tearful yet defensive apology to the contestants.

“If anyone was affected and not comfortable, I am so sorry,” he said. “It’s passed. OK? Are you happy?”

Bosch’s official Miss Universe biography highlights her studies in fashion in Mexico and Italy, her focus on sustainable design using discarded materials, and her volunteer work with sick children, migrants, and mental health initiatives.

Her win on Friday was seen by many pageant fans as both a personal triumph and a symbolic moment in a competition shaped by advocacy, solidarity, and a public stand against mistreatment.