Mexicans reacted with pride on Friday as Fátima Bosch Fernández was crowned Miss Universe 2025.

Fernández's win resounded across Mexico, framed as the vindication of a disrespected contestant from a country where women have pushed their way into positions of power and are increasingly calling out traditional chauvinism.

The 25-year-old from the Gulf coast state of Tabasco was scolded by the competition's Thai director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, during a livestreamed sashing ceremony for the more than 100 contestants on November 4.

She allegedly did not follow his guidelines for taking part in local promotional activities.

He called security when she spoke up to defend herself, and she responded by walking out with a number of other contestants following in solidarity.

"I saw some TikToks about her reaction with the judges and the organizing committee and all that," said Mexico city resident Liz Payno as she reacted to the news of Fernández's win.

"I thought it was amazing that she was so confident and didn’t care at all, and that she went for it."

Another local, Raymundo Villa, described her win as an "outstanding achievement".

"It’s an outstanding achievement for her, for Mexico, and for all of us," he said.

"It’s a source of pride to have women who, besides being beautiful, also have a lot of knowledge that wasn’t valued in the past."

The Miss Universe Organization president, Mexican business owner Raúl Rocha Cantú, had released a statement condemning Nawat’s conduct as “public aggression” and “serious abuse.”

Nawat later apologized for his actions, appearing both tearful and defiant at the same time.

The fireworks in Thailand earlier in the competition had already drawn Mexico's attention, leading even President Claudia Sheinbaum to hail Bosch.

AP video shot by: Martín Silva Rey and Claudia Rosel