Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch has been crowned the 74th Miss Universe, after accusing an organiser in Thailand of insulting her
As contestants prepared to walk the runway for the 74th Miss Universe competition on Friday, the pageant’s organisers were in damage control.
“In light of recent public statements and social media posts, the Miss Universe Organization considers it necessary to clarify certain inaccuracies,” a statement by the organisation began. It was addressing allegations of vote rigging – but it could just have easily been referring to a myriad of other scandals the event has seen over recent weeks.
Before Friday’s polished finale there had been a chaotic run-up, with the competition – styled as a celebration of all cultures, backgrounds and religions in a safe space for women – facing judges resigning, denying allegations of vote rigging, mock drug use, stage falls and dramatic walkouts.
At the beginning of November Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, claimed that she had faced a public dressing down from the pageant’s Thai director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, who allegedly called her a “dumbhead”. She walked out, followed by several fellow contestants, a moment that was caught in a livestream.
