Who Is Fatima Bash — The New Miss Universe?

Mexican beauty Fatima Bash has won the prestigious crown at the 74th edition of Miss Universe. Contestants from 121 countries took part in the competition. Bangladesh was represented at this year’s event by model and actress Tanzia Zaman Methila.

According to CNN, 25-year-old Fatima Bash was crowned by last year’s winner, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark. This year’s runner-up was Thailand’s Pravina Singh.

Fatima was born in Santiago de Teapa in the state of Tabasco, Mexico. She studied fashion design in Mexico and also spent some time in Milan, Italy, and Vermont, USA. Throughout the competition, she faced criticism on several occasions, but she turned her weaknesses into strengths through determination.

Fatima has acknowledged that she suffered bullying in school due to dyslexia and ADHD. Her journey in beauty pageants began in 2018 when she won the ‘Flor de Oro’ title in Tabasco. In September 2025, she made history as the first woman from Tabasco to win the ‘Miss Universe Mexico’ crown, although the victory drew criticism at the time.

Following her win, Fatima created a stir on social media—amassing over 990,000 followers on Instagram and more than 690,000 on TikTok.

She remained in the spotlight during this year’s Miss Universe competition as well. Thailand’s Miss Universe director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, accused her of not promoting Thailand and made disrespectful remarks about her. When Fatima responded, he attacked her verbally by calling her ‘stupid’.

Refusing to remain silent, Fatima demanded respect and immediately walked out of the competition. The incident sparked global sympathy for her. She said, “We are strong women; our voices can never be silenced.”

Throughout the event, Fatima captivated audiences with her stunning outfits. During the preliminary event on 19 November, she presented herself in three remarkable looks—a colourful national costume celebrating Mexican heritage, a bold red swimsuit, and a dazzling evening gown.

Fatima was previously in a relationship with Mexican footballer Kevin Álvarez. Their relationship ended in 2023, which created considerable discussion on social media.

Khaborwala/TSN