Dayanara Torres challenges Fatima Bosch’s stance on the Miss Universe passport issue
Dayanara Torres, Miss Universe 1993, has weighed in on Fatima Bosch’s comments about whether a candidate’s passport status should influence their chances to win, calling the notion into question. The debate intensified after Raul Rocha, president of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), suggested that Olivia Yace of Côte d’Ivoire may have fallen short of the crown due to concerns about her passport. Bosch addressed Rocha’s remarks during an interview with Telemundo’s Pica y se Extiende (translated by People), noting that she isn’t familiar with every rule governing eligibility but understands the underlying logic.
She affirmed that every contestant should ostensibly have an equal shot at winning, regardless of nationality or passport specifics. Yet she also observed that, as a corporate enterprise, the MUO must consider practicalities: travel requirements and logistics inevitably factor into who can readily fulfill the duties of the title.
The interview where Bosch voiced these thoughts is the same program where she reportedly walked out amid questions about ongoing Miss Universe controversies. In response, Torres spoke on a podcast with radio host Enrique Santos, stating unequivocally that she does not support a passport-based barrier to victory and that every candidate had an opportunity to triumph.
Torres, speaking in Spanish, emphasized that the outcome should not hinge on visa hurdles. She recalled her own era as a contestant, noting that travel was generally less restrictive and that all participants had a fair chance to succeed. If passport issues could tilt the playing field, she argued, then the pageant shouldn’t advance contestants who would struggle with visa requirements, as that would be inherently unfair.
Despite Bosch’s victory more than a month ago, the title continues to attract scrutiny, with rumors of election irregularities and questions about potential business links between the organization and Rocha contributing to ongoing speculation. Bosch has consistently defended her win, insisting the result was earned fairly.
Torres joined the Miss Universe broadcast team when Bosch was crowned in Bangkok, Thailand, alongside former titleholder R’Bonney Gabriel. Separately, Miss Universe announced that Puerto Rico—Torres’s homeland—will host the 2026 edition.
