Viewers claim Fátima Bosch’s Miss Universe 2025 win may have been influenced by her ties to MUO president Raul Rocha

The Crown and the Controversy: Fátima Bosch’s Miss Universe 2025 Victory

The Miss Universe 2025 pageant, held in Nonthaburi, Thailand, was meant to be a dazzling celebration of beauty, talent, and cultural pride. Instead, it has become the subject of heated debate and skepticism. Mexico’s Fátima Bosch emerged as the winner, but her triumph has been clouded by allegations that her close ties to Miss Universe Organization (MUO) president Raul Rocha may have influenced the outcome.

Critics argue that Bosch’s performance did not merit the crown. Viewers pointed to her answer during the final round, which many considered the weakest among the top five contestants. They also claimed she lacked the stage presence displayed by her rivals, particularly Miss Côte d’Ivoire, who was widely seen as a strong contender for the title. Some audience members even went so far as to wish the host would return to announce that the results had been read in the wrong order.

Adding fuel to the controversy is Bosch’s public dispute with Nawat Itsaragrisil, the president of Miss Grand International. Observers suggest that this clash may have bolstered her visibility and sympathy, indirectly benefiting her standing in the Miss Universe competition. The perception that her connections and conflicts outside the pageant played a role in her victory has left many questioning the fairness of the judging process.

The official results placed Thailand, Venezuela, the Philippines, and Côte d’Ivoire as the first through fourth runners-up. Yet, the spotlight remains fixed on Bosch, not for her achievement but for the controversy surrounding it.

Allegations of favoritism and political maneuvering within the pageant world are not new, but the intensity of the backlash this year underscores how fragile the credibility of such competitions can be.

Bosch’s win should have been a moment of national pride for Mexico, but instead it has sparked a broader conversation about transparency and integrity in global beauty pageants.

Whether the criticisms are rooted in genuine concern or in disappointment from fans whose favorites did not win, the Miss Universe Organization now faces the challenge of restoring trust. 

The crown may rest on Bosch’s head, but the debate over whether it was earned or orchestrated continues to reverberate across the pageant community.