The 74th Miss Universe has become one of the most controversial editions of the prestigious pageant.
Mexico’s Fátima Bosch was crowned in Thailand on November 21, but much to the dismay of fans around the world, many believe that other candidates deserved the title, especially considering how the Top 5 performed in the question-and-answer round.
The organization’s president, Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú, has been accused of unfair treatment and possible favoritism that allegedly led to Bosch’s triumph. A series of allegations and screenshots have also circulated from former Miss Universe judge Omar Harfouch, who resigned days before the coronation. Harfouch claimed that the winners were already predetermined prior to finals night, calling Bosch a “fake winner.”
He also alleged via Instagram Stories that Rocha is in business with Fátima’s father, making the accusations of favoritism even more suspicious.
Fans around the world have labeled the Miss Universe 2025 results as rigged.
The newly crowned and controversial queen, Fátima, a 25-year-old beauty from Tabasco, Mexico, has responded to the backlash she continues to receive. In a series of Instagram Stories, Bosch shared several messages she has received, including insults, death wishes, and accusations that she did not deserve the Miss Universe 2025 crown.
Bosch wrote on her Instagram, “Today I want to raise my voice not as a beauty queen, but as a woman. A woman who, like millions in the world, has personally experienced the violence that comes from hatred, disinformation, and the inability of some to see a woman shine without feeling threatened.”
Fatima added, “In recent days I have received insults, attacks and even death wishes for a single reason: because I won. Because a woman with dreams, preparation and heart decided to stand up and fight for what she loves. And although these attacks hurt, they do not define me. What does define me is my strength, my integrity, and the love I have for my country and for the women of the whole world whom I represent.”
She also added that she will not back down despite the negativities coming her way, “I am here to say something with absolute clarity: no attack will make me kneel, no insult will extinguish my purpose.”
Meanwhile, fan outrage intensified after Rocha faced even more criticism when he revealed in a video that frontrunner Miss Côte d’Ivoire Olivia Yacé did not win because she allegedly didn’t have the required visas for the competition.