Miss Universe Fátima Bosch Opens Up About Standoff That Almost Cost Her Crown
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/fatima-bosch-120525-1-715641f583d547ca97ce8089db1fc995.jpg)
Miss Universe Fátima Bosch has recently spoken out about the dramatic walkout incident that took place during a pre-pageant event, where her bold actions almost led her to disqualification from the prestigious beauty competition. Bosch, who was crowned Miss Universe on November 21 at the 2025 finale in Bangkok, Thailand, discussed her thoughts and feelings surrounding the controversy during an interview on CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper on Thursday, December 4.
The fiery confrontation unfolded on November 4 when pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil reprimanded Bosch for allegedly refusing to partake in a photoshoot intended for contestants to share on social media. Despite Bosch’s denial of the accusation, Itsaragrisil persisted with his chastising, prompting the Mexican beauty queen and several other contestants to walk out of the room in protest. The entire incident was captured on camera during a livestream, garnering widespread attention and sparking a debate on social media.
In her interview with Tapper, Bosch revealed that she was initially focused on the moment and was unaware of the support she was receiving from her fellow contestants in real-time. Reflecting on her decision to speak up, she confessed that she had feared her actions might lead to Mexico’s disqualification from the competition. However, she stood by her values and beliefs, which compelled her to take a stand despite the potential consequences.
Following her controversial coronation, rumours began circulating, suggesting that the competition was rigged in Bosch’s favour and hinting that she might relinquish the crown. Addressing the backlash and speculation surrounding her win, Bosch expressed her astonishment at the overwhelming support she received post-walkout, juxtaposed with the subsequent backlash she faced. The rollercoaster of emotions, from empowerment to vilification, proved to be a challenging experience for the newly crowned Miss Universe.
In a separate interview with Nightline anchor JuJu Chang, Bosch delved deeper into the controversies that have surrounded her since her crowning moment. Despite receiving acclaim for her bold stance, Bosch admitted to feeling terrified during the incident. She underscored the importance of upholding her dignity and values, even if it meant risking her chances at the crown. Addressing accusations of foul play in her victory, Bosch staunchly refuted any claims of special treatment, asserting that her win was a result of her hard work and dedication.
The aftermath of the viral walkout saw Miss Grand International (MGI) president Nawat Itsaragrisil filing a criminal complaint against Bosch, disputing allegations made against him. MGI vehemently denied accusations levelled at Itsaragrisil and asserted that Bosch’s public statements had caused reputational harm. In response, the official Miss Universe Thailand Facebook page issued a statement, clarifying the events and urging Bosch to acknowledge the facts.
In light of the unfolding controversies, former competition judge Omar Harfouch raised concerns about the fairness of the pageant, insinuating that an arbitrary selection process influenced the final outcome. Despite refutations from the pageant organisers, Harfouch’s criticisms added fuel to the fire of speculations surrounding Bosch’s victory. The evolving saga has captivated audiences worldwide, underscoring the complexities and challenges faced by beauty pageant contestants in the realm of intense scrutiny and competition.
As the debate rages on and the dust settles post-crowning, Miss Universe Fátima Bosch stands at the centre of a storm of conflicting narratives and accusations. Her resilience and unwavering commitment to her principles amidst a maelstrom of controversy serve as a testament to her strength and character. In the midst of the chaos, Bosch’s journey as Miss Universe continues to unfold, navigating the turbulent waters of fame, scrutiny, and redemption in the public eye.