Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch has been crowned Miss Universe at a ceremony in Bangkok, marking the end of an exceptionally scandal-filled pageant season.
The 25-year-old contestant had walked out of an event earlier in November after a Thai official publicly berated her in front of dozens of contestants and threatened to disqualify those who supported her.
That dramatic turn was followed a week later by the resignation of two judges, one of whom accused organisers of rigging the competition.
These events come as one of the world's longest-running beauty pageants faces questions about its relevancy and a declining audience.
The contest's latest result has added to the controversy, with news of Miss Mexico's win instantly dividing opinion online. Many Mexicans celebrated her victory, especially those who had applauded her walkout. However, some have speculated whether organisers crowned her to compensate for the earlier scandal.
Miss Thailand Praveenar Singh placed first runner-up while Miss Venezuela Stephany Abasali took third, followed by Miss Philippines Ma Ahtisa Manalo and Miss Cote d'Ivoire Olivia Yace.
Earlier in the month, things turned dramatic when Thai media mogul and pageant organiser Mr Nawat Itsaragrasil reprimanded Ms Bosch, alleging she failed to post promotional content. Upon her objection, he threatened disqualification for supporters, leading to her walkout, which garnered global headlines.
The Miss Universe Organization condemned the organiser's behavior, calling it 'malicious.' Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised Ms Bosch as a role model for women speaking out against aggression.
After Bosch's crowning, Mr Nawat suggested the outcome should be judged by viewers at home, adding to the ongoing discussions surrounding the pageant's integrity.
The turmoil has drawn attention to the cultural and strategic differences between Miss Universe's Thai and Mexican owners, especially as the pageant seeks to adjust to changing audience preferences towards more interactive and contemporary forms of media.
As the Miss Universe Organization navigates its challenges, the relevance of beauty pageants continues to be a topic of discussion, with calls for empowerment and support for women at the forefront of the ongoing transformation.
