On Thursday, Nov. 20, the prestigious global pageant took center stage at the Impact Challenger Hall in Bangkok, Thailand, where Fátima Bosch of Mexico emerged as the winner of the 74th Miss Universe competition.
This year’s event, themed “The Power of Love,” brought together delegates from over 130 countries and territories, each competing for one of the most coveted crowns in the world of pageantry.
Bosch’s victory comes on the heels of several controversies surrounding the Miss Universe Organization in the weeks leading up to the finale. Earlier this month, on Nov. 4, a livestream went viral showing pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly scolding Bosch over allegations that she declined to join a scheduled photo shoot intended for social media promotions.
Although Bosch denied the accusation, Itsaragrisil continued reprimanding her during the session, causing multiple contestants to walk out in solidarity as she exited the room.
Her win follows last year’s historic moment when Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark became the first-ever Danish titleholder after winning the 73rd Miss Universe pageant.