Fatima Bosch Fernandez (25) was crowned the winner after the competition took the world by storm, after the beauty queen stood up to the host for bullying.
Second place was given to Praveenar Singh (29), of Thailand, while Stephany Abasali of Venezuela came third. Ahtisa Manalo (28), of the Philippines, came fourth and Olivia Yace (29), from the Ivory Coast, was fifth.
The controversy began after the host scolded Miss Mexico earlier in the competition, calling her “dumb”, instigating a walkout in solidarity by the other beauty queens.
The incident took place at the live streamed sashing ceremony for the 130 contestants on November 4, when Thai national director Nawat Itsaragrisil berated Ms Bosch Fernandez for allegedly not posting enough promotional content.
When she stepped up to defend herself, Mr Nawat called security, prompting Ms Bosch Fernandez to walk out of the room herself.
She was swiftly joined by several others in a display of solidarity, including the 2024 Miss Universe, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark.
What your director did is not respectful: he called me dumb
Speaking to Thai reporters, Ms Bosch Fernandez said: “What your director did is not respectful: he called me dumb. If it takes away your dignity, you need to go.”
Mr Nawat’s conduct was condemned as “public aggression” and “serious abuse” by the president of the Miss Universe Organisation, Raul Rocha Cantu.
Mr Cantu was even joined by Mexico’s first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, at a press conference in Mexico City, saying she wanted to give “recognition” to Ms Bosch Fernandez for voicing her position in a “dignified” way. “It seems to me that it is an example of how women should raise our voices,” she said.
Ms Sheinbaum recalled being told in the past that “women look more beautiful when they keep quiet”.
“We women look more beautiful when we raise our voice and participate, because that has to do with the recognition of our rights,” she said.
Ms Nawat later issued a melodramatic apology for his actions – while still appearing defiant about his behaviour.
During the ceremony, he addressed the controversy and said: “If anyone [was] affected and not comfortable, it happened, I am so sorry.”
He then turned to the contestants and said: “It’s passed. OK? Are you happy?”
It was also reported that two judges quit this year’s competition due to allegations that the contest was rigged – a claim which was denied by the organisation.
Thai police have also been involved in investigating the competition, on the grounds that online casinos were allegedly being promoted illegally as part of the event’s publicity.
Before claiming the Miss Universe 2025 title, Ms Bosch Fernandez said she studied fashion in Mexico and Italy, focusing on creating sustainable designs and discarded materials.
Other causes close to he heart include mental health issues, environmental activism, and supporting migrants and children with illnesses.