The 74th Miss Universe pageant concluded with the crowning of Mexico’s Fatima Bosch, but the journey to the finale was overshadowed by a series of public disputes, judge resignations, and on-stage incidents that challenged the event’s stated ethos.
In the weeks leading up to the final ceremony, the competition’s organizers issued statements seeking to “clarify inaccuracies” and deny allegations, including claims of pre-determined voting. The atmosphere grew particularly tense after Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, publicly accused a senior pageant director of insulting her, an incident that prompted a walkout by several contestants. Bosch stated that her treatment was a matter of respect and women’s rights, a sentiment echoed by the reigning titleholder.
The judging panel itself saw instability, with at least two high-profile figures stepping down. One departing judge alleged a “secret vote” had unfairly narrowed the field days before the final broadcast, a claim the organization firmly rejected as a misunderstanding of a separate social initiative.
The competition floor was not without drama. Two contestants suffered separate falls during preliminary events, one requiring hospital attention, while another participant’s staged stumble sparked confusion. Geopolitical tensions also surfaced, reflected in contestants’ attire and online accusations between delegations. Further controversy arose from a contestant’s social media video and pointed political remarks made during a related event.
Despite the tumultuous buildup, the finale proceeded, with Bosch ultimately securing the title over a favored local contender. Her victory marked the end of a pageant cycle that, beyond the glitter and gowns, became a global spotlight on internal conflict and public relations challenges.