Miss Universe, Fatima Bosch, has been drawn into a public debate after her statements about beauty pageants sparked mixed reactions. During a forum in El Salvador, she said she would not recommend that women participate in beauty contests, emphasizing that the value of the Miss Universe crown depends on how the platform is used. She advised women to first focus on projects with real impact and then view the competition as a tool. Bosch also revealed that her experience as Miss Universe has been difficult and 'frightening,' stressing that the pageant is not accustomed to women who do not conform to traditional standards or who have their own voice. On the other hand, Miss Universe Organization spokesperson Miguel Angel Martinez clarified that her statements were misinterpreted and that she did not intend to discourage participation, but rather to show that the competition is just one way to express oneself. Her path to the crown has been accompanied by controversy, including a conflict with Nawat Itsaragrisil and speculation that connections to the pageant's owner may have helped her win.