On 2/12, the news program Good Morning America aired a preview of its interview with Miss Universe Fatima Bosch, 25, regarding her controversial victory.

The Mexican beauty queen began by recounting her crowning moment, describing it as "a dream come true." She then addressed the dispute with Thai executive director Nawat Itsaragrisil early in the competition.

During the interview, the host brought up accusations by former judge Omar Harfouch, who labeled Fatima Bosch a "fake Miss Universe" who "won thanks to her family background." Harfouch alleged she secured the top prize because her father conducts business with Miss Universe organization president Raul Rocha. Bosch vehemently denied all claims, criticizing those spreading misinformation for orchestrating "a smear campaign" against her. Bosch stated: "My father has no connection to the organization. How can one buy a crown? You can buy a toy crown at the supermarket, but certainly not at Miss Universe."

At an early November meeting, Bosch confronted Nawat after he criticized her for not participating in a host country promotional activity. Backstage, she told reporters he had called her a "dumbhead." On Good Morning America, Bosch admitted she feared confronting Nawat might cost her the chance to win, but she could not remain silent because her dignity was more important than her dream.

Despite receiving much support at the time, many viewers found her victory unconvincing. Addressing opinions that she was undeserving, the new Miss Universe asserted she worked as hard as every other contestant.

Not long after her interview, representatives for executive director Nawat Itsaragrisil and the Miss Universe Thailand Committee posted a statement clarifying his dispute with Fatima Bosch, accusing her of slandering him to the media. In a 3/12 post, Nawat's team affirmed he never called her a "dumbhead," but only used the word "damage" when speaking to her. According to them, his exact quote was: "If you follow the order from your national director you're damage" (If you follow the instructions from your national director, you will incur damage).

They also revealed that Nawat filed a criminal complaint against Fatima Bosch on 12/11 in Thailand. They stated that if she continues her defamatory behavior, he would pursue additional legal action as provided by law.

Bosch also dismissed recent rumors that she was considering returning her crown. "I did not enter this competition for fame, to become a model, or to find a husband. I came here because God placed a mission in my heart. I have accepted a purpose, and I will fulfill it for many years to come - to serve and help people," she told the MC.

Fatima Bosch was born in 2000 in Teapa, Tabasco, Mexico. She studied fashion design at Iberoamericana University in her hometown, later enrolling at Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (Italy) and Lyndon Academy (US). She shared that as a child, she was a victim of school bullying due to dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In September, she won Miss Universe Mexico.

The 25-year-old new Miss Universe on the final night in Bangkok. Photo: Instagram/ Fatima Bosch

Miss Universe, first held in 1952, is one of the world's most-watched beauty pageants, with 165 countries and territories purchasing broadcast rights. This year's competition, themed "Beyond the Crown," began in early November. The first runner-up was Praveenar Singh, 29, from Thailand. The second, third, and fourth runners-up were Stephany Abasali, 25, from Venezuela; Ahtisa Manalo, 28, from the Philippines; and Olivia Yace, 27, from Cote d'Ivoire, respectively.

By Phuong Thao

(According to People, ABC)