In a shocking turn of events, Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch Fernández has been crowned Miss Universe despite sparking a walkout after being publicly chided by the pageant's co-owner for not participating in promotional activities.
Fernández, 25, was one of the contestants at this year's Miss Universe pageant which saw controversy erupt during a livestreamed ceremony when Thai national director Nawat Itsaragrisil hectored her for not following guidelines. In response, Bosch refused to be silenced and walked out in front of several other contestants, including last year's winner Denmark's Victoria Kjær Theilvig.
The public backlash against the pageant's organizers was swift and severe, prompting co-owner Raúl Rocha Cantú to publicly rebuke Nawat for humiliating contestants. However, it seemed that this controversy had little impact on Fernández as she emerged victorious in a competition marred by declining viewership and concerns over objectification of women.
President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico hailed Bosch's bravery after the pageant, stating that "when we raise our voices, we are more beautiful" and acknowledging her for voicing disagreement in a dignified manner. The Mexican president also expressed recognition for Bosch standing up against Nawat, calling it an example of how women should "raise their voices".
Despite the controversy surrounding this year's pageant, Fernández was crowned the 74th Miss Universe with Praveener Singh from Thailand as first runner-up and Stephany Adriana Abasali Nasser from Venezuela taking second place.
Fernández, 25, was one of the contestants at this year's Miss Universe pageant which saw controversy erupt during a livestreamed ceremony when Thai national director Nawat Itsaragrisil hectored her for not following guidelines. In response, Bosch refused to be silenced and walked out in front of several other contestants, including last year's winner Denmark's Victoria Kjær Theilvig.
The public backlash against the pageant's organizers was swift and severe, prompting co-owner Raúl Rocha Cantú to publicly rebuke Nawat for humiliating contestants. However, it seemed that this controversy had little impact on Fernández as she emerged victorious in a competition marred by declining viewership and concerns over objectification of women.
President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico hailed Bosch's bravery after the pageant, stating that "when we raise our voices, we are more beautiful" and acknowledging her for voicing disagreement in a dignified manner. The Mexican president also expressed recognition for Bosch standing up against Nawat, calling it an example of how women should "raise their voices".
Despite the controversy surrounding this year's pageant, Fernández was crowned the 74th Miss Universe with Praveener Singh from Thailand as first runner-up and Stephany Adriana Abasali Nasser from Venezuela taking second place.