Mexico's Fatima Bosch is the 74th Miss Universe
Fatima Bosch of Mexico is the new Miss Universe!
The Mexican beauty queen clinched the Lumière de l’Infini crown, defeating 119 other delegates at the 74th edition of the pageant held on Nov. 21 in Bangkok, Thailand.
She will now take over the reign of Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark.
During the question-and-answer portion, she and the other Top 5 candidates were given 30 seconds to answer two questions.
When asked about the challenges of being a woman in the year 2025 and how she will use her title to create a safe space for women around the world, she said, "As a woman, as Miss Universe, I will put my voice and the power in the service of others, because nowadays we are here to speak up, to make change, and have everything here, because we are women, and the brave ones that stand up are the ones that will make history."
She was then asked how she would use this platform to empower young girls if she wins Miss Universe.
She said: "As Miss Universe, I will say to them, believe in the power of your authenticity, believe in yourself, your dreams matter, your heart matter, and no, never let anyone make you doubt about your worth, because you're worth everything, and you are powerful, and your voice needs to be heard. Thank you."
Completing the Top 5 were Côte d'Ivoire's Olivia Yacé, the Philippines' Ahtisa Manalo, and Venezuela's Stephany Abasali. Thailand's Praveenar Singh secured the title of First Runner-Up in the competition.
At the event, Miss Universe President Raul Rocha Cantu announced that the 75th Miss Universe will be held in Puerto Rico next year. It aims to achieve a record-breaking number of delegates for the 2026 pageant.
Bosch was involved in a controversy during the sashing ceremony earlier this month. The live broadcast of the event showed Thai pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil asking Bosch to stand and explain her absence at the shoot earlier, as well as clarify why she was not posting about Thailand during the pre-pageant activities, but was open to being filmed by Telemundo.
Reports say Bosch spoke up in her defense as Itsaragrisil interrupted her. Moments later, Bosch walked out, with several other delegates, including Theilvig, to leave the event in solidarity.
"I truly love Thailand. I have so much respect for all of you...but what your director [Nawat] just did was not respectful. He called me ‘dumb’ because he has problems with the organization and I think that’s not fair. Because I'm here and I do everything okay, I don't mess with anyone, I'm just trying to be kind, trying to give my best," Bosch said.
"I think that the world needs to see this, because we are empowered women. This platform is meant for our voice, and no one can shut our voice, and no one will do that to me," she continued.
"To everyone, especially women, no matter how big your dreams are, even if you wear a crown, if something costs you your dignity, you need to walk away. Thank you," she added.
