It’s easy to look back at it as a story pre-written. Because, however one chooses to view that walkout, it made her the main character. In just a few days, Mexico’s Fatima Bosch gained as much infamy as traction. And you know what they say about online engagement. Sometimes, quantity trumps quality. 

It wasn’t like she was ever out of contention. For one, it was Raul Rocha’s second year as owner. So, surely, he had to outdo last year’s staging. As for Fatima herself, she was indeed a contender who kept shining as days progressed, unfazed and unbothered by the incident. It’s easy to root for someone with such narrative. To the public eye, anyone who soars above controversy and soldiers on becomes a hero by default. All those considered, that Top 30 slot was hers for the taking. But let’s not forget: not all eyes were on her and there were stronger frontrunners. 

Nevertheless, she breezed through Swimsuit and, somehow, even through Evening Gown. And that wasn’t a cheongsam, by the way. It was designer Trino Orozco’s ode to the country’s “emotional and geographic landscape”. Ergo, it’s more Latin-inspired than it looked. Either way, the fact it catapulted her into the Top Five over stronger looks already meant something was brewing. 

Those weren’t weak responses per se, but there was irony in barely hearing her say “I will put my voice in the power in the service of others”. And compared to Cote d’Ivoire’s conviction, Venezuela’s quiet strength, and Philippines and Thailand’s sincerity, it was clear who the performers were. Then again, we’re not the selection committee. And, apparently, even the actual selection committee didn’t have much say. 

Never was a result met with so much stumped disbelief, more so when the crown landed on Fatima’s head. Many hoped it would be a deja vu from 2015 – that Steve Byrne would suddenly step back on stage to amend the error. Except, it wasn’t. And as the victory finally sank in, the congratulatory gestures finally began, accompanied by resounding boos. The noise didn’t end there. 

Then came bombshell after bombshell, from resigned judge Omar Harfouch alluding to Rocha’s pre-existing business ties with Bosch’s father to judge Natalie Glebova calling out the absence of an accounting firm – something confirmed later on by Filipino singer Louie Heredia. It was the ugly gift which kept on giving, and Bosch walking out of that Telemundo show mid-interview only aggravates matters. 

In theory, Bosch’s resolve should earn her admirers, but not when more questions are raised and definitely not when Puerto Rico might turn down hosting duties. Pandora’s Box has been opened and the powers-that-be are nowhere to be found. 

For many a lifelong pageant fan, the turn of events is no less disheartening. But, maybe, it’s the overdue purge the system needs. No one knows for sure where the Chavit Singson discourses will lead, other than key people potentially re-entering the picture and Bosch’s reign possibly being declared null and void. On one hand, it pains to see a titleholder subject to that kind of tug-of-war, especially when she was mostly a pawn. But on the other, who can blame the vast majority who clamor for fair game? 

This is not the state we expect to see Miss Universe in, more so as it approaches a milestone. It’s too soon to say what the momentous 75th edition holds. Guess we’ll have to spend the whole year wondering.