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 organisers of rigging the competition.
These 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. But some have also wondered if organisers 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.
Drama in Bangkok
Things took a dramatic turn at a pre-pageant ceremony early this month, when Thai media mogul and pageant organiser Mr Nawat Itsaragrasil told off Ms Bosch in front of dozens of contestants for failing to post promotional content.
When she objected, Mr Nawat called security and threatened to disqualify those supporting her. Ms Bosch then left the room and others joined her in solidarity, in a move that made headlines around the world.
The Miss Universe Organization condemned Mr Nawat's behaviour as 'malicious' and Mr Rocha, speaking by video from Mexico, told his Thai business partner to just 'stop'.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised Ms Bosch at that time as an 'example of how we women should speak out' in the face of aggression.
On social media, some fans said the backstage drama helped Ms Bosch clinch the crown, which is Mexico's fourth. 'Next year, whoever walks out will win,' one comment read.
Turbulence at the top
The recent controversies underscore the cultural and strategic differences between Miss Universe's Thai and Mexican owners. Organizers have made accommodations in recent years, while some traditions remain contentious.
The crowning of the new Miss Universe signals the resolve of an organisation to stay relevant at a time of evolving expectations and criticisms regarding beauty pageants' role in society.
As the Miss Universe organization navigates internal disputes and external pressures, its future remains uncertain amidst shifting cultural perceptions of beauty and empowerment.
