Mexican model Fátima Bosch is steadfastly defending her Miss Universe 2025 title amid escalating controversies. Her victory has been overshadowed by allegations of a rigged competition and personal attacks.
Bosch, 25, has used social media and interviews to assert her rightful claim to the crown. She stated her win represents female resilience and power.
“My victory is not a threat. My victory is a reminder that women are resilient, capable, and powerful,” Bosch declared. She added, “We are not here to fulfill others’ expectations, we are here to transform the world.”
The controversies began even before her coronation. Judge Omar Harfouch resigned, citing alleged irregularities in the voting process.
Harfouch claimed he could not legitimize a vote in which he never participated. He later accused Miss Universe CEO Raúl Rocha of pressuring him to favor Bosch.
“They pressured me a week ago in Dubai to vote for Fátima Bosch,” Harfouch told Inquirer. He alleged the reason was “because they need her to win, because it will be good for our business.”
The Miss Universe Organization called Harfouch’s comments “erroneous.” They affirmed that all contest evaluations follow established, transparent protocols.
Raúl Rocha dismissed Harfouch’s allegations on Telemundo’s “Hoy Día.” He suggested they were an attempt to gain “two minutes of fame.”
Further complicating the situation, other contestants, including those from Ivory Coast and Estonia, resigned their titles. Several judges and delegation directors also stepped down.
Bosch unequivocally rejected calls for her to relinquish the crown during an interview with Jessica Carrillo for Telemundo’s “Al Rojo Vivo.”
“Of course not, because I deserve this crown and this sash,” Bosch stated firmly. “I made the same effort as all my peers… and I won.”
She finds it unjust that external comments question her win. Bosch noted the emotional toll of attacks targeting her and her family.
“I am 25 years old and had never been in this environment. Of course it hurts, because they attack my family and they attack me,” she shared. Bosch emphasized her motivation for competing was philanthropy and social causes.
Bosch also refuted speculation that her father, Bernardo Bosch, purchased her crown. These rumors linked her father to Raúl Rocha through business connections.
“It is not true,” Bosch said, calling such reports “disinformation.” She clarified her father only met Rocha briefly after she won Miss Universe Mexico.
“It was the same relationship he has had with the parents of all the other candidates,” Bosch explained. She reiterated that the claims “are pure lies.”
Bosch also highlighted that the accusations against Raúl Rocha remain unproven.
Rocha, the Miss Universe co-owner, faces a formal indictment in Mexico. The charges from the Attorney General’s Office involve alleged organized crime offenses. These include drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and illegal fuel trafficking.
Media outlets like Reforma and Infobae reported on the federal investigation. Rocha has denied any link between his legal issues and Bosch’s coronation.
Bosch defended her own father against past accusations as well. She stressed his accomplishments stem from “hours of effort and sacrifice.”
She appealed for her reign not to be politicized. Bosch asserted her role is to be a voice for women, not to engage in legal matters. “Do not politicize my participation,” she requested.
Bosch believes she has “broken a mold” by being transparent and vocal. She contrasted herself with a “Barbie who wouldn’t speak.”
She recounted confronting Thai executive Nawat Itsaragrisil, who called her “empty-headed” during the sash ceremony. “You cannot speak to me that way,” Bosch recalled telling him.
Bosch stated that dignity is more important than any award or dream.