The 2025 edition of Miss Universeheld in Thailand, was marked by a series of controversies involving pageant executives, diplomatic authorities and the winner herself, the Mexican Fatima Boschwho faces a wave of attacks and accusations on social networks after obtaining the crown.
Bosch, 25, publicly denounced that he has been the target of insults, threats and violent messages since his victory. In a statement, he stated that this campaign was born “from hatred and misinformation,” while different sectors have questioned the legitimacy of his victory.
The altercation that unleashed the storm
The tension surrounding the contest dates back to early November, when Bosch engaged in an abrupt confrontation with Nawat ItsaragrisilThai businessman and executor of the 2025 edition. In an internal meeting broadcast live, Nawat scolded her for not publishing promotional content and, according to the viral video, called her “dumb.”
The Mexican left the room in tears and with the support of several contestants. The episode sparked a wave of feminist support and a response from the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, who pointed out that Bosch is an “example” of how women should raise their voices in the face of public aggression.
Although Nawat denied using the insult, he was forced to apologize, even through sobs, during a later conference. His role in the contest was limited, although he reappeared at the opening ceremony.
The role of Raúl Rocha and the investigations in Mexico
Added to this controversy is the situation of the Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú, co-owner of the contest. Rocha faces a case in Mexico that has been open since 2024 for alleged trafficking of drugs, weapons and stolen fuel, as confirmed by the Attorney General’s Office.
The Mexican authorities detailed that there are arrest warrants against several people involved, without confirming names. Local media indicate Rocha among those investigated.
As a result of these events, the government of Guatemala announced the withdrawal of the position of honorary consul that Rocha had held since 2021 in Toluca. The Guatemalan Foreign Ministry explained that the decision was made due to administrative irregularities, but admitted that the process was accelerated by “recent events.”
Rocha has also been accused of alleged links to Bernardo Bosch, Fátima’s father and former Pemex official. He has categorically denied any business relationship with the businessman.
Another co-owner under arrest warrant
The pageant also faces another front: an arrest warrant against Jakapong “Anne” Jakrajutatip, media mogul and co-owner of Miss Universe. A court in Bangkok accuses her of fraud of almost a million dollars, following a complaint filed by a plastic surgeon who claims to have been deceived in an investment made in 2023.
The businesswoman did not appear at the hearing and some media outlets claim that she had traveled to Mexico.
Media trial and questions
The controversies of the contest are not limited to the corporate sphere. The competition itself was accused of being “rigged” after two judges resigned days before the final. One of them, the French Omar Harfouchassured that there was a “secret and illegitimate vote” outside the official jury, a statement that the organization rejected.
The pressure intensified with incidents on stage, participants falling and questions about the safety and logistics of the event.
Media triumph under pressure
In the midst of this storm, Fátima Bosch became Miss Universe 2025 and declared that she wants to be remembered as a woman who “was not afraid to be herself.”
The Mexican pointed out that her objective is to show the strength of the women of her country and claim the right to demand respect, even within a contest that has historically been criticized for reproducing stereotypes.
Tensions around the contest continue to escalate as the organization tries to maintain focus on its next edition, which will be held in Puerto Rico in 2026.
