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Miss Mexico Crowned Miss Universe Amidst Pageant Drama
Nonthaburi, Thailand – In a pageant season that proved to be anything but predictable, Mexico’s Fátima Bosch Fernández was crowned the 74th Miss Universe on Friday. Her victory brings to a close a competition that captivated audiences not just for its glamour, but for a series of dramatic twists and turns that kept everyone on their toes.
Bosch’s journey to the crown was particularly noteworthy, marked by a public confrontation with pageant co-owner Nawat Itsaragrisil, a Thai official. She was reportedly chided for not participating in promotional activities, an interaction that saw Bosch, 25, bravely walk out, a move that garnered significant public attention and praise.
The controversy didn’t stop there. The competition was further rocked by the resignation of two judges, one of whom, Lebanese-French composer Omar Harfouch, alleged rigging and even threatened a lawsuit against the organization.
Harfouch claimed a “secret vote” by individuals not officially part of the jury had preselected 130 of the 136 contestants. The Miss Universe Organization has vehemently denied these claims.
Adding to the dramatic flair, former French soccer star Claude Makélélé also stepped down from the jury, citing “unforeseen personal reasons.”
This year’s pageant unfolded against a backdrop of declining viewership for Miss Universe, an organization that generates revenue from licensing its broadcasting rights. Concerns about the objectification of women and the pageant’s perceived declining relevance have been cited as contributing factors. The competition, which began in 1952 and was partly owned by former President Donald Trump from 1996 to 2022, found itself at the center of a different kind of conversation this year.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, the country’s first female leader, weighed in on Bosch’s actions, stating, “It seems to me that it is an example of how women should raise our voices. We women look more beautiful when we raise our voice and participate, because that has to do with the recognition of our rights.” She lauded Bosch for voicing her disagreement in a “dignified” way.
Despite the turbulence, the competition saw Miss Thailand Praveener Singh, 29, named first runner-up, followed by Miss Venezuela Stephany Adriana Abasali Nasser, 25.
The incident involving Nawat and Bosch occurred during a livestreamed sashing ceremony on November 4th. Nawat’s public scolding and subsequent call for security when Bosch stood her ground led to her walking out, joined by others, including last year’s winner, Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig.
“What your director did is not respectful: he called me dumb,” Bosch told reporters at the time. “If it takes away your dignity, you need to go.”
The public fallout prompted Miss Universe co-owner, Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú, to publicly criticize Nawat and declare he would not tolerate the “humiliation” of contestants. Nawat later offered a tearful apology to the contestants.
In another unfortunate incident, Garbielle Henry of Jamaica is currently recovering in a hospital after falling offstage during a preliminary round on Wednesday.
This year’s Miss Universe pageant will undoubtedly be remembered for its unprecedented drama, the resilience of its contestants, and a new conversation about dignity and empowerment on the global stage.