The newly crowned Miss Universe 2025, Fátima Bosch of Mexico, is at the center of a growing controversy alleging irregularities in the international competition’s judging process. Following accusations of a “secret vote” and potential conflicts of interest leveled by a former judge, the Miss Universe Organization is defending the results and threatening legal action against those making what it deems defamatory claims [2]. The unfolding dispute has already led to the resignation of Miss Universe Africa & Oceania 2025, Olivia yacé of Côte d’Ivoire, further complicating the situation.
Miss Universe Organization President and co-owner Raúl Rocha has vehemently denied allegations of fraud surrounding the recent crowning of Mexico’s Fátima Bosch as Miss Universe, and announced plans for legal action against media outlets publishing what he deems defamatory information.
The controversy surrounding the pageant’s outcome has intensified in recent days, with questions raised about the judging process and the eligibility of other contestants. Rocha also addressed the situation surrounding Olivia Yacé, representing Côte d’Ivoire, explaining that her inability to secure necessary travel visas impacted her chances of winning.
“And to those saying why didn’t Miss Côte d’Ivoire win, there are many things that are valued. Côte d’Ivoire needs – everyone go to Google, everyone has a cell phone – and look up how many countries Côte d’Ivoire needs a visa to enter? 175. Yes, 175. That’s the work for a whole year of Miss Universe,” Rocha stated in an interview with Mexican journalist Adela Micha on the program “La Saga.”
He continued, “So, she’s going to be Miss Universe spending the whole year in an apartment because the cost of visa processing with lawyers, some of them require six months in advance… there are many things that are valued that people, pageant enthusiasts, fans, can’t quite determine why we want the one who travels the most and has the most contact with people in the world to be Miss Universe.”
Yacé, who was named Miss Universe Africa & Oceania 2025, announced her resignation from the title earlier today.
In a statement posted to her social media, the philanthropist and beauty queen cited her personal values as the reason for stepping down. “This commitment to being a positive influence is what guides my decision today. Stepping away from this reduced role as Miss Universe Africa & Oceania 2025 will allow me to fully dedicate myself to defending the values I hold dear,” she wrote.
The credibility of the competition’s results first came into question on Tuesday when Franco-Lebanese pianist Omar Harfouch announced his resignation as a judge, alleging a lack of transparency and a supposed “secret vote” in which the top 30 finalists were selected without the judges’ evaluation. The Miss Universe Organization has faced scrutiny in the past, and this latest controversy adds to the ongoing conversation about fairness and integrity in the pageant world.
Harfouch also announced his intention to sue the MUO for alleged offenses including abuse of power, corruption, deception, breach of contract, and conflict of interest, and has labeled Bosch a “fake Miss Universe.”
Harfouch claims that in a recorded interview 24 hours before the crowning, he stated that Mexico would win because Rocha has “business dealings” with Bosch’s father.
1 / 15 | Miss Universe 2025: get to know Fátima Bosch, the Mexican queen crowned in Thailand. Mexican Fátima Bosch, born in Tabasco, Mexico, became the new Miss Universe 2025 last night. – Supplied / Miss Universe Organization
