Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch has been crowned the brand new Miss Universe, just weeks after a clash with an organizer resulted in contestants walking out.
Bosch, 25, won the competition on the Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi, Thailand, which is north of Bangkok, on Friday, November 21. She was crowned by the previous winner, Miss Denmark Victoria Kjær Theilvig.
Miss Thailand Praveenar Singh, representing the host country, placed second, while Miss Venezuela Stephany Abasali got here third, Miss Philippines Ma Ahtisa Manalo placed fourth and Miss Cote d’Ivoire Olivia Yace rounded out the highest five.
Through the question-and-answer portion of Friday’s competition, Bosch was asked how she’d use the title of “Miss Universe to create a protected space for girls all over the world,” per Cosmopolitan Philippines.
The pageant queen responded, “As a lady and as Miss Universe, I’ll put my voice and the facility within the service of others because nowadays, we’re here to talk up, to make change and have the whole lot in view because we’re women and the brave ones that rise up are those that may make history.”
Bosch’s victory comes nearly three weeks after the Miss Universe contest was mired in controversy as contestants walked out of a pre-pageant ceremony. On November 3, Nawat Itsaragrisil, a pageant executive representing Thailand, publicly scolded Bosch for not posting promotional content concerning the host nation on social media.
Itsaragrisil called security to intervene when Bosch stood up to depart and a number of other other women followed, threatening to disqualify those that left in solidarity with Miss Mexico.
“He called me dumb because he has issues with the organization, and I believe that’s unfair,” Bosch later told the press.
Beauty pageants aren’t all the time pretty. Competitive events from Miss USA to Miss Universe have all had their justifiable share of scandals and controversies over time. In 1984, Miss America Vanessa Williams famously gave up her crown after nude photos were published in Penthouse. Years later, in 2006, Miss USA Tara Conner kept her sash […]
“I believe the world must see this, because we’re empowered women and this platform is for our voices. Nobody can silence it. Nobody will silence me,” she added. “It doesn’t matter if you could have a giant dream or a crown. If it takes away your dignity, it’s best to walk away.”
Because the incident made global headlines and went viral on social media, Miss Universe Organization president Raul Rocha issued an announcement criticizing Itsaragrisil’s actions.
“I won’t allow the values of respect and dignity toward women to be violated. Unfortunately, Nawat has forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a real host,” Rocha said. “It means to exhibit to all delegates of all countries that he, as a bunch, has the duty to serve them, assist them and support them. And to make sure they’ve a novel life experience crammed with kindness and courtesy.”
Itsaragrisil apologized for the incident in an Instagram video posted on November 4.
“If anyone [was] feeling not good, if anyone [was] not comfortable. If anyone [was effected], I do apologize for everybody,” he said.
Just per week after the walkout, two Miss Universe judges quit the competition before it was attributable to begin, with one claiming the choice process was rigged, per BBC News. The controversy continued because the pageant got underway, as Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday, November 19, after falling offstage.