Miss Universe 2025 ended after explosive controversy: Director’s public tirade against winner Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch, walkouts, accusations and apologies

The 74th Miss Universe pageant, hosted in Bangkok, Thailand, in November 2025 culminated with Fátima Bosch of Mexico taking the crown, but became one of the most scandal-ridden editions in the competition’s history.

Central to the controversy was a live-streamed confrontation between Miss Universe Mexico, Fátima Bosch, and the pageant’s Thai director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, whose outburst ignited a chain reaction of walkouts, social media outrage, and official reprimands.

The incident occurred during a pre-event meeting when Nawat Itsaragrisil harshly berated Bosch, allegedly calling her a “dumbhead” and criticizing her for insufficient promotion of the host country Thailand on social media.


The heated exchange escalated to the point that security was summoned to forcibly remove Bosch from the venue, prompting several contestants to stage symbolic walkouts in solidarity with Bosch.

The public reprimand and removal of Bosch sparked widespread condemnation from fans, media, and even political figures, including Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, who denounced the incident as a humiliating affront to dignity and respect.

The gravity of the backlash compelled the Miss Universe Organization to take swift action against Nawat, restricting his involvement in the ongoing pageant. Itsaragrisil later issued tearful apologies both privately and publicly, attempting to mend relations as the pageant continued amidst tensions.

Further deepening the scandal, two judges abruptly resigned just days before the crowning, with composer Omar Harfouch alleging the competition was rigged via a clandestine external group pre-selecting contestants.

Such accusations questioned the transparency of the judging process, forcing the Miss Universe Organization to emphatically deny improprieties and reaffirm the integrity and rigor of their evaluations.

These combined incidents cast a spotlight on the internal dynamics and challenges facing a pageant that billions worldwide watch for its celebration of beauty and empowerment.

Despite the chaos, Fátima Bosch emerged triumphant, using her platform and final answers to call for global women’s empowerment and dignity, symbolizing resilience amid adversity.