Miss Universe Mexico Representative Fatima Boush:
"I Did Not Buy the Crown with Money"
Denies Allegations of Secret Deal for the Title
Controversy Surrounds the Pageant Before and After the Event
Winner Addresses Rumors of Behind-the-Sce
At the 74th Miss Universe pageant held in Bangkok, Thailand, Mexico's representative Fatima Boush, 25, was crowned the winner on November 22, bringing the event to a close. This year's Miss Universe was surrounded by more controversy than ever before. Among these, suspicions arose regarding behind-the-scenes dealings related to the winner's title. On December 3, ABC News reported that Fatima Boush, the Mexican representative who won the 2025 Miss Universe title last month, denied allegations of backdoor dealings regarding her title.
Appearing on ABC's "Nightline" in the United States that day, she addressed the controversy over alleged improprieties in the judging process raised by former judge Omar Harfouch, saying, "They are running a hate campaign," and emphasized, "My father has nothing to do with the competition. The idea that you can buy the Miss Universe crown with money is absurd. Maybe you can buy it at a supermarket, but here, it is absolutely impossible." Boush's father is an executive at Pemex, Mexico's state-owned oil company, and there have recently been suspicions about his possible business ties with the Miss Universe organizers.
Firmly dismissing the controversy surrounding her, Boush stated, "I worked just as hard as the other contestants. I believe I created a historic moment." She added, "I have no intention of giving up the crown. I am not here for honor, modeling, or marriage. I will continue to carry out my mission to help and serve others."
Bosch, the winner of this competition, also attracted attention on November 21 before the competition by clashing with an executive of the Miss Universe Organization and leading a mass withdrawal of dozens of participants. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News
Previously, Boush, the winner of this competition, also attracted attention on November 21 before the pageant by clashing with an executive of the Miss Universe Organization and leading a mass withdrawal of dozens of participants. Regarding this, she said, "I was afraid at the time, but I could not remain silent. Dignity is more important than any dream." Some have claimed that this courageous action contributed to her victory.
One reason for such claims is that just one week after the mass withdrawal incident, two judges suddenly announced their intention to resign. Among them, one judge claimed that the organizers had manipulated the selection process. This was Omar Harfouch, a French musician of Lebanese descent. After the mass withdrawal incident, he announced via his social media that he would resign from the eight-member panel of judges.
In particular, he alleged that, just one day before the finals, the "improvised" panel of judges had already selected the finalists in advance. He further claimed, "The list of the top 30 had already been secretly decided," and "Boush's family tried to influence my vote." In response, the Miss Universe Organization denied his allegations, stating, "The competition is judged through a transparent process."
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