Controversy, Criticism, and a Crown: Fatima Bosch’s Miss Universe Journey
Following her win, a debate erupted online, with many fans claiming she won due to the controversy rather than merit. Reports of judges resigning and audience booing strengthened accusations of “damage control.” Her strong family background—connected to beauty pageantry and politics—also fueled speculation and criticism
HUMAN INTEREST STORIES
Reporter
11/22/20252 min read
Fatima Bosch’s win is not only for herself. It belongs to the pageant community and their dignity and pride. Mexico is at the massive stage of beauty in Thailand.
Fatima Bosch won the Miss Universe title in Bangkok, Thailand. She is the fourth woman to win the Miss Universe title for Mexico. She won the Miss Universe title despite disrespect and disgrace.
This was a conclusion to the scene created by one of th national directors, Nawat Itsaragrisil, during the contest. She was openly criticized by him for not promoting Thailand enough on social media. Additionally, she was called “dumb,” and there was a heated confrontation where Fatima had a walkout. In her support, many contestants stood up.
The Miss Universe organization condemned the behaviour of the national director. The controversy ended with Fatima being crowned. But when it felt like the end of this chapter, it gave birth to another one, where, over social media, a new debate started.
Fans were saying that she was crowned because of her controversy, not on merit. She was not even one of the top contenders. Fatima was being booed by the audience as well when she was announced as the winner. It was labelled as “damage control” by the Thai director. The claims strengthened with reports suggesting that judges resigned following statements that finalists were selected before the event started.
Somewhere, Fatima’s family background was also referred to for this win. She was from a very strong background, where her mother, Vanessa Fernández Balboa, is from a family renowned for beauty queens. Her sisters, Mónica Fernández and Claudia Fernández, were crowned as "Flor Tabasco" (Flower of Tabasco). They had a strong connection with the pageant community.
Mónica Balboa (Fatima's maternal aunt) is a politician. She was previously a senator from the Morena party. She is currently the director of the Institute for Returning Stolen Goods to the People (INDEP).
Somewhere, Fatima’s win was also controversial because of her strong family background. In an interview, she stated that she is proud of her family background and that the negative comments will not harm her. For now, it does not matter how she grabbed it, but for now, Fatima Bosch is Miss Universe.