Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch has been crowned the new Miss Universe, just weeks after a clash with an organizer resulted in contestants walking out.
Bosch, 25, won the competition at 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 came third, Miss Philippines Ma Ahtisa Manalo placed fourth and Miss Cote d’Ivoire Olivia Yace rounded out the top five.
During the question-and-answer portion of Friday’s competition, Bosch was asked how she’d use the title of “Miss Universe to create a safe space for women around the world,” per Cosmopolitan Philippines.
The pageant queen responded, “As a woman and 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 in view because we are women and the brave ones that stand up are the ones that will 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 about the host nation on social media.
Itsaragrisil called security to intervene when Bosch stood up to leave and several other women followed, threatening to disqualify those who left in solidarity with Miss Mexico.
“He called me dumb because he has issues with the organization, and I think that’s unfair,” Bosch later told the press.
“I think the world needs to see this, because we are empowered women and this platform is for our voices. No one can silence it. No one will silence me,” she added. “It doesn’t matter if you have a big dream or a crown. If it takes away your dignity, you should walk away.”
As the incident made global headlines and went viral on social media, Miss Universe Organization president Raul Rocha issued a statement criticizing Itsaragrisil’s actions.
“I will not 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 genuine host,” Rocha said. “It means to demonstrate to all delegates of all countries that he, as a host, has the obligation to serve them, assist them and support them. And to ensure they have a unique life experience filled 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 everyone,” he said.
Just a week after the walkout, two Miss Universe judges quit the competition before it was due to begin, with one claiming the selection process was rigged, per BBC News. The controversy continued as the pageant got underway, as Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday, November 19, after falling offstage.
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