In an interview with The Straits Times on Sunday, Sager said she had been rooting for the contestants from the Philippines and Ivory Coast, who eventually finished third and fourth runner-up at the final night held in Bangkok on Nov. 21.

“I was hoping for them to be in the top two. So, yes, I was a bit shocked by the results,” she said. “When I rewatch the videos and hear their responses in the pageant’s Q&A round, I get goosebumps, especially from Ivory Coast.”

Sager also said Ahtisa Manalo of the Philippines was “extremely prepared,” noting that the Filipino contestant has competed in 18 beauty pageants.

Her comments echoed the widespread view that several finalists delivered stronger performances in the Q&A than Bosch.

Fatima Bosch (in red costume), who represented Mexico at Miss Universe 2025 and won the title. Photo from Miss Universe’s Instagram

Despite that, Sager said she felt for Bosch in light of the public reaction.

“I feel for her that she has to smile through it, no matter what actually happened or what the results are,” she said. “Nobody deserves that kind of treatment.”

Bosch’s victory followed an on-stage confrontation in early November when then-Miss Universe executive Nawat Itsaragrisil was filmed reprimanding her during a sashing ceremony.

Her win, therefore, prompted widespread debate on social media over whether it was deserved or influenced by external factors.

At 25, Sager holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality business and a master’s degree in luxury and fashion marketing, according to the Miss Universe website. She is also a marathon enthusiast.