Miss Universe 2025, Fátima Bosch Fernández, was crowned amidst a chaotic and controversial pageant. The 25-year-old Mexican beauty, who stood up against bullying, faced a series of mishaps and controversies, making this year's competition particularly tumultuous. The pageant has a history of controversies, from stripping contestants of titles for marriage or pregnancy to racist remarks and global politics. This year, the drama escalated with public bullying, judges quitting, allegations of vote-rigging, death threats, a walkout, and a contestant leaving on a stretcher. The pageant's Thai national director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, was accused of bullying Bosch, leading to a walkout by several contestants, including Miss Universe 2024, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark. The Miss Universe Organization condemned Nawat's conduct, and Mexico's first woman president, Claudia Sheinbaum, praised Bosch's dignified response. Two judges quit, with one claiming the voting was rigged, and another judge cited personal reasons. The organization threatened legal action against a judge who associated himself with Miss Universe trademarks. Nadeen Ayoub, the first-ever Miss Palestine contestant, faced death threats, and Miss Israel, Melanie Shiraz, claimed the video showing her side-eye was edited. A scandal involving fake drugs and a Canadian coaching controversy added to the drama. Miss Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, fell off the stage during the preliminary evening gown competition, leaving the pageant the next day. Despite the chaos, Fátima Bosch Fernández's victory marked a significant moment for Mexico and a testament to her resilience.
