Several contestants walked out of a Miss Universe event after a public confrontation involving an official from the host nation, Thailand.
The clash took place at a pre-pageant ceremony, where the Thai director publicly rebuked Mexico’s contestant.
At the ceremony, the director of Miss Universe Thailand Nawat Itsaragrisil reprimanded Fátima Bosch, for failing to post required promotional content, in front of dozens of other contestants.
When Ms Bosch objected, Mr Nawat called security and threatened to disqualify those supporting her. In response, Ms Bosch left the room and a number of other contestants followed her in solidarity.
Video footage of the incident, which was live-streamed, has been shared widely online.
The Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) condemned Mr Nawat’s behaviour as “malicious”, and he has since issued an apology.
The contestants, winners of national pageants from around the world, attended Tuesday’s event in their pageant sashes and evening gowns.
Some are heard in the video shouting back at Mr Nawat after he raised his voice and repeatedly instructed Ms Bosch to stop talking. At one point he says: “If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down. If you step out, the rest of the girls continue.” Despite that, the majority of women remain standing, and several head toward the door.
Following her exit, Ms Bosch told the press that the 60-year-old official was “not respectful” and accused him of calling her “dumb”. Mr Nawat disputes the wording, saying his words were misunderstood — he claims he said she had caused “damage” rather than using the word “dumbhead”.
The incident prompted a stern rebuke from the MUO. In a video statement, its president Raul Rocha said Mr Nawat had “forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host”. He said the Thai official had “humiliated, insulted and shown a lack of respect” for Ms Bosch and had committed the “serious abuse of having called security to intimidate a defenceless woman”.
Mr Rocha added that Mr Nawat’s participation in the pageant would be limited as much as possible and possibly eliminated, while legal action would be taken against him. “I wish to reiterate that Miss Universe is an empowerment platform for women so that their voices can be heard in the world,” he said.
Among those to walk out on Tuesday was reigning Miss Universe, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark.
“This is about women’s rights,” she said as she left the event. “This is not how things should be handled. To trash another girl is beyond disrespectful… That’s why I’m taking my coat and I’m walking out.”
Ms Bosch later told the press: “I just want to let my country know, I’m not afraid to make my voice heard. It’s here stronger than ever. I have a purpose. I have things to say. We’re in the 21st century. I’m not a doll to be made up, styled and have my clothes changed. I came here to be a voice for all the women and all the girls who fight for causes and to tell my country that I’m completely committed to that.”
The video has outraged fans of the pageant, many of whom criticised Mr Nawat’s actions and praised Ms Bosch’s response. In a social-media video statement, Mr Nawat said: “If anyone feels bad, uncomfortable, or affected, I apologise to everyone. I especially apologise to the girls who were present, around 75 of them.”
Despite the controversy, the Miss Universe competition has pressed on. Contestants took part in a welcome event in Bangkok on Wednesday. The winner of Miss Universe 2025 will be crowned on 21 November 2025 in Thailand.
Source: 263 Culture
