MEXICO CITY (AP) — Fátima Bosch Fernández's Miss Universe victory resounded across Mexico on Friday, 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 Nov. 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.
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.
So on Friday, Sheinbaum did not try to hide her pleasure that Mexico's contestant ended up winning the crown.
“I like that she spoke up when she felt that was an injustice and that is an example,” Mexico’s first woman president said during her daily news briefing. “That thing they said about being prettier when you’re quiet has been left behind. Women are prettier when we speak and we participate.”
Patricia Bustamente, a 72-year-old retiree in Mexico City, shared the president's enthusiasm.
“How good that she didn't let it slide and how good that she fought to stay there,” Bustamente said, noting that Mexican women used to be “submissive.” She called Bosch “very brave."
Briana González, a 40-year-old nurse, said in general she doesn't like beauty pageants because “beauty goes beyond the physical,” but she saw Bosch standing up for herself as a positive example. “For some time now, Mexican women have come out to defend ourselves and fight inequality.”
When Bosch was announced as the winner, cheers and screams erupted from the audience, with Mexican flags waved by elated supporters.
Her home state of Tabasco, where thousands watched the competition from a local baseball stadium in southeast Mexico, partied into the night.
In Villahermosa, Tabasco's capital, Gabriel Arcos, who sells eyeglasses, said Bosch had represented the state well.
“For us Tabasqueños, we're proud that she has gone so far despite the setbacks Miss Bosch had,” said the 37-year-old.
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Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch, center, is celebrated by other contesters after winning the 2025 Miss Universe pageant in Nonthaburi, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch celebrates winning the 2025 Miss Universe pageant in Nonthaburi, north of Bangkok, in Nonthaburi province, Thailand, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad and coach Mike Sullivan achieved career milestones Saturday, one day after team president and general manager Chris Drury sent a letter to fans expressing disappointment over how the season has gone.
Zibanejad became the Rangers’ all-time leader in power-play goals and tied the franchise record for career hat tricks in New York’s 6-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. The victory was the 500th of Sullivan’s career.
The 32-year-old Zibanejad scored with a man advantage in the second period for his 117th power-play goal. He had shared the Rangers' record with Camille Henry and Chris Kreider, who had 116.
“It’s definitely special,” Zibanejad said after the game. “It means I’ve been given a chance to be here a long time, long enough to get close to that.”
Zibanejad’s ninth hat trick with the Rangers matched Bill Cook’s franchise record.
Sullivan praised Zibanejad for the example he has shown amid a trying season for the Rangers, who snapped a five-game losing streak Saturday.
“He’s really committed to trying to play the game the right way, the way we’re trying to play,” Sullivan said. “I think he’s personified that most of the year. We’ve challenged him to use his size and his physicality, both offensively and defensively. I think he’s really embraced that challenge. He has played extremely well for us.”
The Rangers’ latest challenge came Friday when Drury sent a letter to fans saying that “we know and feel your disappointment with how the season has gone to this point.” The letter indicated changes could be on the way.
“With our position in the standings and injuries to key players this season, we must be honest and realistic about our situation,” Drury wrote. “We are not going to stand pat – a shift will give us the ability to be smart and opportunistic as we retool the team. This will not be a rebuild. This will be a retool built around our core players and prospects.”
Zibanejad acknowledged that there were “all kinds of feelings” after the letter was sent out and said he liked the way the team responded. He said “it’s not an easy situation” but added that this kind of win could provide a spark.
“If changes are coming, then try to make the most of the time we have as a group, the group that we have right now,” Zibanejad said.
Sullivan had headed into his first season with the Rangers owning 480 career wins after coaching the Boston Bruins and the Pittsburgh Penguins. He led the Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2016 and 2017 during his 10 years in Pittsburgh.
“I’m just grateful,” Sullivan said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to coach in this league. It’s the greatest league in the world, and it’s an absolute privilege to be part of it in any capacity. To be a head coach for as long as I have at this point has been an incredible honor.”
This latest win was particularly special because of the circumstances leading up to it.
“I just think it speaks volumes for the character of the people in the room,” Sullivan said. “The last couple of days have been pretty emotional for the whole group. To respond with an effort like they did tonight. ... I think is evidence that these guys are quality people, and they care a lot about each other and the Rangers.”
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New York Rangers' Mika Zibanejad, center, celebrates with teammates Carson Soucy, right, and Scott Morrow after scoring a goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
