In brief
Fatima Bosch, representing Mexico, has been crowned Miss Universe at an event in Bangkok despite a season filled with controversies, including her dramatic walkout after a public scolding from an organizer. This victory has sparked debate online about the motivations behind her win amidst questions about the pageant's relevance.
Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch has been crowned Miss Universe at a ceremony in Bangkok, marking the end of an exceptionally scandal-filled pageant season.
The 25-year-old contestant had walked out of an event earlier in November after a Thai official publicly berated her in front of dozens of contestants and threatened to disqualify those who supported her.
That dramatic turn was followed a week later by the resignation of two judges, one of whom accused organisers of rigging the competition.
These come as one of the world's longest-running beauty pageants faces questions of its relevancy and a declining audience.
The contest's latest result has added to the controversy, with news of Miss Mexico's win instantly dividing opinion online.
Many Mexicans celebrated her victory, as did others who had applauded her walkout. But some have also wondered if organisers gave her the crown to make up for the earlier scandal.
Miss Thailand Praveenar Singh placed first runner up while Miss Venezuela Stephany Abasali placed third, followed by Miss Philippines Ma Ahtisa Manalo and Miss Cote d'Ivoire Olivia Yace.
Things took a dramatic turn at a pre-pageant ceremony early this month, when Thai media mogul and pageant organiser Mr Nawat Itsaragrasil told off Ms Bosch in front of dozens of contestants for failing to post promotional content.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised Ms Bosch at that time as an example of how we women should speak out in the face of aggression.
During Friday's finals, Mr Nawat posted photos from the audience on his Instagram stories but he was not seen on stage. After Ms Bosch's crowning, he posted a one-line statement in Thai on his social media accounts, saying: A billion words that cannot be said.
On social media, some fans said the backstage drama helped Ms Bosch clinch the crown, which is Mexico's fourth.
The recent controversies underscore the cultural and strategic differences between Miss Universe's Thai and Mexican owners, with the organisation attempting to evolve into a media brand appealing to younger audiences, particularly on platforms like TikTok.
Despite the challenges, the contest remains popular in Latin America and Southeast Asia, where it often represents an opportunity for women to gain visibility and influence.
