The first days of her reign have been tough for Mexican beauty Fátima Bosch, as controversies surrounding the 2025 edition of Miss Universe began clouding her path to victory even before she won. Miss Mexico has spoken out on social media and in interviews to make it clear she believes she is the rightful owner of the crown.
One of the 25-year-old model’s first public statements came via social media, where she raised her voice against a bullying campaign filled with negative comments and insults.
Fatima Bosch Says Her Victory ‘Is Not a Threat’
“A woman who, like millions around the world, has experienced firsthand the violence born of hatred, misinformation, and some people’s inability to see a woman shine without feeling threatened,” she wrote in part of her Instagram message.
Bosch didn’t just denounce the harassment — she turned it into a declaration of principles. “My victory is not a threat. My victory is a reminder that women are resilient, capable, and powerful” (…) “We are not here to meet others’ expectations, we are here to change the world.”
Why Is Fatima Bosch’s Miss Universe Win So Controversial?
From the preliminary activities, Miss Universe 2025 began to build tension. The resignation of judge Omar Harfouch, who cited alleged irregularities in the voting process, raised serious concerns. “I cannot stand before the public and cameras pretending to legitimize a vote I never took part in — it would be dishonest,” wrote the Franco-Lebanese pianist on social media.
After Bosch’s victory, Harfouch doubled down, accusing Miss Universe CEO Raúl Rocha of pressuring him to favor the Mexican contestant. “I was pressured a week ago in Dubai to vote for Fátima Bosch because they need her to win — it would be good for our business,” he told Inquirer.
Other Contestants Stepped Down Amid the Controversy
The Miss Universe Organization firmly responded to Harfouch’s accusations, calling his comments “inaccurate” and asserting that “all pageant evaluations follow established, transparent protocols supervised by the MUO.” Rocha also denied the allegations, telling Hoy Día (Telemundo), “This is just for two minutes of fame.”
The controversy escalated when other contestants also resigned their titles, including representatives from Ivory Coast and Estonia, along with other judges and even national directors.
Fatima Bosch Says She Will Not Give Up the Crown: ‘I Won’
The Teapa-born model spoke with journalist Jessica Carrillo on Al Rojo Vivo (Telemundo), where she was asked if she’d consider stepping down and giving up the crown as a way to end the controversy. However, Bosch said that doesn’t make any sense to her.
“Of course not, because I deserve this crown and this sash. The truth is, people can say a lot of things, but there’s only one truth: I put in the same effort as my fellow contestants, made the same commitment, and went through the same challenges… and I won. Why would I give up something I worked for?” said Bosch.
Fatima Bosch Is Hurt by the Attacks on Her and Her Family
She also called it “unfair” that her crown is being questioned by outsiders, especially online, when only she and those closest to her know how much effort went into winning Miss Universe.
“I’m 25 and I had never been in this kind of environment. Of course it hurts, because they attack my family and me,” she said, her voice breaking. “When God puts a purpose in your heart, there will be a lot of adversity,” she added.
Bosch emphasized that she entered Miss Universe “for philanthropy and social causes.”
Fatima Bosch Denies Her Father Bought the Crown for Her
Even letting out a sarcastic laugh, Bosch expressed disbelief at “the level of misinformation in the media.” Speculation that her father, Bernardo Bosch, bought the crown through business ties with Raúl Rocha — allegations initially made by Omar Harfouch — prompted her to speak firmly: “It’s not true.”
“Just because a lie is repeated doesn’t make it true. We must remember that fame and power come with a responsibility to tell the truth,” she said, accusing the media of latching onto a viral topic.
“My dad and Mr. Rocha met when I won Miss Universe Mexico. It was a ‘hello and goodbye’ situation — the same kind of interaction he’s had with the parents of all the other contestants. “Yes, it’s tough, and out of caution I didn’t say anything when my reign began, especially because I was focused on charity work and the projects we’re launching,” Bosch explained.
“These are all lies,” she reiterated. She also noted that the accusations against Raúl Rocha “have not been proven.”
What Has Miss Universe CEO Raul Rocha Been Accused Of?
The co-owner of the Miss Universe franchise now faces one of the most serious moments in his career: formal charges by Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR) for alleged involvement in organized crime, including drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and fuel smuggling, also known in Mexico as huachicol.
The accusations, first reported by Reforma, Infobae, and La Razón, place the event producer and pageant executive at the center of a major, high-profile federal investigation.
Although Rocha denied that his business dealings or legal issues are linked to Bosch’s crowning — and even released a public statement clarifying his business ties with Pemex — the timing of the global Miss Universe scandal and his indictment has fueled suspicion, political narratives, and intense media scrutiny.
In the same interview with Jessica Carrillo, Bosch addressed the accusations against her father as well, defending his legacy: “There never will be any proof because my dad is someone who built everything he has through hard work and sacrifice.”
Fatima Bosch Asks Fans to Not Politicize Her Reign
Finally, Bosch emphasized that as the new Miss Universe, her role is to be a voice for women — not to get involved in legal matters. “Don’t politicize my reign — I have no political interests,” she requested.
She also pointed out that her reign has broken a mold, saying that for outsiders, it was easier to make her a target. “There has never been a Miss this transparent, one who speaks up — I think I broke a mold that many didn’t like. They preferred a Barbie who stays quiet.”
Fatima Bosch Reflects on Her clash With Thai Executive Nawat Itsaragrisil
In an interview with ABC News, Bosch was asked about her confrontation with Nawat Itsaragrisil, the Thai director and executive who called her “empty-headed” during the sash ceremony. “He wanted to humiliate me in front of everyone, and I told him: you can’t talk to me that way,” she emphasized.
Although she thought her dream of winning the crown was over in that moment—after standing up to the Miss Universe Organization’s executive director—Bosch made it clear she couldn’t remain silent. “Your dignity is more important than any prize or dream,” she concluded.
Fatima Bosch Defends Her Crown From People Who Say She Won Because of the Scandal
During the interview with ABC News, the interviewer asked Bosch, “There were some people, when you were crowned, who thought, ‘Oh, she was being rewarded for speaking out. Is that how you felt?”
“No,” Bosch said. “But I think I made history, so why not? But of course, no. I [put in] the same effort that all [other] pageant [contestants] make and this is a job.”
