Dhaka, Nov. 22 -- Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch has been crowned Miss Universe at a ceremony in Bangkok, marking the end of an exceptionally scandal-filled pageant season.

The 25-year-old contestant had walked out of an event earlier in November after a Thai official publicly berated her in front of dozens of contestants and threatened to disqualify those who supported her.

That dramatic turn was followed a week later by the resignation of two judges, one of whom accused organisers of rigging the competition.

These come as one of the world's longest-running beauty pageants faces questions of its relevancy and a declining audience.

The contest's latest result has added to the controversy, with news of Miss Mexico's win instantly dividing op...