Miss Universe has announced its new winner. On Thursday, November 20, the international pageant held in Bangkok, Thailand, crowned Fátima Bosch, representing Mexico.
More than 130 countries competed in the finals of the 74th edition, with the theme "The Power of Love."
Bosch's crowning comes after weeks of controversy involving the Miss Universe organization.
Just a few weeks ago, on November 4, a live broadcast went viral when the competition's host, Nawat Itsaragrisil, publicly reprimanded Bosch, accusing him of refusing to participate in a photo shoot for social media.
Although she denied the allegations, the Miss continued to be verbally attacked and several contestants followed her out of the hall in a sign of solidarity.
After the incident, Bosch told the media:
"Your manager is not respectful. He called me stupid."
The organization's president, Raul Rocha Cantu, publicly sided with the competitors.
A few days before the competition, judge Omar Harfouch resigned, claiming that a “temporary jury” had been secretly created to select the 30 finalists without the presence of any of the eight official judges. He also alleged that there were conflicts of interest among some members who had personal ties to some of the contestants.
The organization categorically denied it, stating that there was no illegal jury and that all evaluations were following official supervised protocols.
However, more departures followed: former French footballer Claude Makélélé and the president of the selection committee, Princess Camilla di Borbone, also withdrew.
New judges were appointed, including Natalie Glebova, who later emerged as having personally trained Miss Canada, adding to yet another controversy.
Fátima Bosch took the crown from last year's winner, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, who made history as the first Dane to win Miss Universe.
