Miss Universe 2026, Fátima Bosch, made headlines during her recent visit to Harvard University, where she met students and spoke about her social initiatives following her pageant victory. The official Miss Universe Instagram page shared a video of Bosch delivering her message at the prestigious university on March 8.
In the caption, the organisation wrote:
"We are incredibly proud to witness this historic moment for The Miss Universe Organisation. For the first time in our history, a Miss Universe stood at Harvard to share a message that goes far beyond the crown. A reminder that true power lies not in perfection, but in purpose, voice, and the courage to redefine what is possible for women everywhere."
Bosch visited the university on Friday, March 6, as part of her international tour after winning the Miss Universe crown. During the interaction, she met several young people and discussed the causes she supports, highlighting how she hopes to use her platform to drive meaningful social impact.
However, the conversation took an unexpected turn when a student asked Bosch whether she would consider giving up her crown amid allegations that her victory had been influenced by possible “manipulation” within the contest. The question referenced speculation about her reported connection with businessman Raúl Rocha, a former owner of the Miss Universe franchise in Mexico.
Bosch firmly rejected the claims, stating that she had earned the title through hard work. “No, I won’t resign. I worked hard and won,” she said, adding that her purpose as Miss Universe goes beyond appearances and focuses on creating real impact in communities.
She also highlighted the double standard faced by women in leadership roles, noting that men are rarely questioned about the positions they hold, whereas women often face greater scrutiny.
Reflecting on her work since winning the crown, Bosch emphasized meaningful actions over symbolic appearances. She mentioned visiting underserved communities and delivering medicines to villages that rarely receive such attention.
Additionally, “Miss Universe is not just about the runway or having the best body,” she said, addressing unrealistic beauty standards that can pressure young girls. “We don’t have to be perfect. What matters is the purpose behind what we do and the impact we create in other people’s lives.”
Since being crowned, Bosch has taken part in several humanitarian visits. In December 2025, she visited the Children’s Hospital in Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico, spending time with young patients and their families.
Despite the controversy surrounding her victory, Bosch affirmed her commitment to using her platform to advocate for social causes and create opportunities for girls and women around the world.