The 74th Miss Universe pageant, held on November 21 at Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi, north of Bangkok, ended much like how it began — surrounded by discussion and divided reactions.
What went down before?
Earlier in November, the pageant experienced tensions during pre-coronation events in Bangkok. Reports said Miss Universe Thailand’s national director clashed with Mexico’s delegate Fatima Bosch, prompting walkouts by several contestants and a statement from the Miss Universe Organization condemning the incident. Sponsors raised concerns and some events were canceled, but the coronation on November 21 went ahead as planned.
Now, Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, has been crowned Miss Universe 2025, with Miss Thailand, Veena Praveenar Singh, finishing as first runner-up. Bosch received the crown from outgoing Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark.
The Top 5 was completed by Venezuela’s Stephany Abasali as second runner-up, the Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo as third runner-up and Côte d'Ivoire’s Olivia Yacé as fourth runner-up.
Reactions inside the venue
While Mexican supporters celebrated Bosch’s win, many spectators inside the hall expressed disappointment over her victory. Some in the audience were heard booing and giving thumbs-down gestures after the announcement. (Video by Thai PBS World/ John Marwin Elao)
Social media reactions
Online reaction to the results has been mixed. Several posts on X (formerly Twitter) questioned the outcome, with some users expressing frustration or alleging irregularities. These posts reflect personal opinions and have not been verified.
One widely shared post with more than 354,000 views claimed the result showed “sympathy and payola.” Another user alleged the pageant was "rigged" and said they believed some contestants deserved higher placements.
Links to the public posts can be found here:
• https://x.com/WhoisVindictive/status/1991719318074356000
• https://x.com/vedgynzzfr/status/1991720984290996449
Judges share views on Miss Universe 2025
Two days before the coronation, Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch, who had been part of the judging panel, announced his resignation.
After the coronation, he posted on Instagram criticizing the outcome and claiming he had concerns about the process.
In his posts, Harfouch said he had previously told HBO that Miss Mexico would win, alleging this was due to what he described as business ties involving Miss Universe owner Raúl Rocha and Bosch’s family.
He also claimed that Rocha and his son had urged him in a meeting in Dubai to support Bosch because “it would be good for their business.” Harfouch said more details would be released in a documentary slated for May 2026.
These claims remain unverified, and the Miss Universe Organization has not publicly addressed them as of this writing. The allegations are solely his statements published on his social media accounts.
Meanwhile, Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Glebova, who served as a judge at this year’s pageant, posted on Instagram commenting on the judging process.
She wrote: “As a judge this year I can only speak for myself when I cast my votes. Please remember that each person has their own opinion and not one single person can influence the result.”
She also noted: “Until then I don’t think I will be participating as a judge again.” Glebova suggested that reinstating the presence of an auditor with sealed results on stage could improve transparency, reflecting on how the pageant operated in earlier years.
(Instagram: Omar Harfouch: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRTjkM9iByB/?hl=en)
(Instagram: Natalie Glebova: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRUBBtwAevC/?img_index=1)
After the crown
As the excitement of coronation night fades, attention now turns to how Fatima Bosch will begin her reign as Miss Universe 2025. With strong support from fans and ongoing conversations online, her year ahead is expected to draw continued public interest — both for her advocacy work and for how the pageant addresses the discussions sparked this year.
