Miss Universe India Organisation Addresses 2025 Controversies, Urges Support for Winner Fatima Bosch

The Miss Universe India Organization has issued a statement addressing the widespread controversies surrounding the 2025 Miss Universe pageant, calling for kindness and unity while extending support to winner Fátima Bosch amid a backlash of hurtful online comments and allegations of rigging. National Director Nikhil Anand shared the message on Instagram on Wednesday, days after India's Manika Vishwakarma placed in the top 30 but failed to advance to the top 12 during the November 21 finale at Bangkok's Impact Challenger Hall. Anand acknowledged the "global conversation" of disagreements and criticisms, emphasizing the pageant's role in empowering women and urging fans to rise above negativity.

The 74th Miss Universe edition, hosted in Thailand for the first time since 2018, was marred by multiple scandals from the outset, including Bosch's public berating by pageant co-owner and Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil during a pre-event meeting on November 4. Nawat accused the 25-year-old Mexican humanitarian of being "stupid" or causing "damage" for skipping promotional activities, prompting Bosch to walk out in protest—joined by reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark and others—declaring, "If it takes away your dignity, you need to go."

Nawat later tearfully apologized onstage and via social media, but the incident, captured on livestream, fueled accusations of bullying and sparked a viral #BoycottMissUniverse movement. Additional chaos included Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry's fall from the stage requiring hospitalization, resignations from judges like Omar Harfouch, who alleged vote rigging and labeled Bosch a "fake winner," and a racism claim against former Miss Universe Alicia Machado.

Anand's statement praised the pageant's "transformative power," noting how it has nurtured dreams for generations of women in India and beyond, allowing them to "find her voice, champion her causes, and prove that she can be both intelligent and compassionate." He stressed that while debates are inevitable, "hurtful comments" undermine the spirit of empowerment, calling on the "Miss Universe family" to celebrate Bosch's resilience—especially after she revealed receiving death threats post-win—and Vishwakarma's strong showing as a 21-year-old political science student from Rajasthan who opened the top 30 segment with poise. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum echoed this, hailing Bosch as an example of women "raising our voices" for rights. Bosch, in her victory speech, urged authenticity: "Believe in the power of your authenticity. Your dreams matter; your heart matters."

Also Read: Manika Vishwakarma’s Heartfelt Message After Miss Universe 2025 Win Steals Fans’ Hearts

As the dust settles on a pageant plagued by feuds, injuries, and fury—contrasting sharply with its glamorous facade—the Miss Universe India response highlights a push for positivity amid scrutiny over the organization's handling of controversies. With next year's event set for Puerto Rico, Anand's words serve as a reminder of the crown's deeper purpose: fostering global sisterhood over division, even as social media amplifies every misstep in real time.

Also Read: Manika Vishwakarma’s Heartfelt Message After Miss Universe 2025 Win Steals Fans’ Hearts