Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch has been crowned Miss Universe at a ceremony in Bangkok, marking the end of an exceptionally scandal-filled pageant season.
The 25-year-old contestant had walked out of an event earlier in November after a Thai official publicly berated her in front of dozens of contestants and threatened to disqualify those who supported her.
That dramatic turn was followed a week later by the resignation of two judges, one of whom accused organizers of rigging the competition.
These developments come as one of the world's longest-running beauty pageants faces questions of its relevancy and a declining audience.
The contest's latest result has added to the controversy, with news of Miss Mexico's win instantly dividing opinion online.
Many Mexicans celebrated her victory, as did others who had applauded her walkout. However, some have also wondered if organizers gave her the crown to make up for the earlier scandal.
Miss Thailand Praveenar Singh placed first runner up while Miss Venezuela Stephany Abasali placed third, followed by Miss Philippines Ma Ahtisa Manalo and Miss Cote d'Ivoire Olivia Yace.
Things took a dramatic turn at a pre-pageant ceremony early this month, when Thai media mogul and pageant organizer Mr. Nawat Itsaragrasil told off Ms. Bosch for failing to post promotional content.
Ms. Bosch and several others subsequently staged a walkout in solidarity. The Miss Universe Organization condemned Mr. Nawat's behavior and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised Ms. Bosch as an example of women's strength and resilience.
The crowning of the new Miss Universe signals the organization's intent to remain relevant in an evolving media landscape.
Despite enduring controversies, the Miss Universe contest continues to captivate audiences, particularly in Latin America and Southeast Asia, where beauty pageants are viewed as pathways to fame and financial stability.
