Miss Universe Fatima Bosch caused panic after she briefly dropped to her knees while appearing in a pageant at a festival in Ecuador. Footage of the incident quickly spread across social media.
This moment happened on Sunday, February 15, during the Ambato Fruit and Flower Festival. Bosch stood on a float decorated with flowers and waved to the crowds as she appeared to steady herself on the railing before dropping to her knees in her mint dress.
Videos shared online show onlookers reacting with shock and some heard gasps. A woman climbed onto the float to help her. Bosch remained conscious and could be seen talking to those helping her.
In a statement to People magazine, the head of communications for the Miss Universe Organization, Miguel Angel Martinez, said that Bosch “experienced a brief episode of dizziness after a few hours of outdoor participation” during the pageant.
“As a precaution, she was immediately assisted by her team and local medical personnel on the scene,” Martinez said. “She remained conscious, was immediately evaluated and recovered quickly. Out of extensive care, her schedule was adjusted to allow for adequate rest and hydration. She is doing well and expressed her sincere appreciation for the warmth and hospitality she received in Ecuador,” he added.
Martínez also noted that Bosch is currently traveling as part of his official international tour, which includes cultural, humanitarian and community engagements in several countries. He said the organization works closely with local teams to protect the health and well-being of its title holders.
Bosch represented Mexico at the global competition and was crowned in Bangkok, Thailand on November 21.
Earlier controversies during the show’s season
Earlier in the pageant season, she faced controversy at a pre-event in Thailand. During the live broadcast, the head of the pageant, Nawat Itsaragrisil, criticized her for allegedly refusing to take part in a promotional photo shoot, claiming that she was failing in her duty to “promote the host country”.
Bosch denied the allegations, but Itsaragrisil continued to criticize her, leading several contestants to leave the stage in solidarity.
Later on The Lead with Jake Tapper, Bosch said that she was focused on the moment and was initially concerned that her actions might affect Mexico’s position in the competition. However, she maintained that her decision reflected her principles.
In a separate appearance on Good Morning America, she rejected suggestions that she was considering giving up her title. “I will never step down from this crown,” she said, adding that her mission is to serve others.