Tensions flared at the Miss Universe pageant as several contestants dramatically walked out of a pre-event ceremony after Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly berated Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, in front of dozens of fellow competitors.
The confrontation unfolded when Mr Nawat accused Bosch of failing to post promotional content for the pageant. When she tried to explain herself, he called security and threatened to disqualify anyone who supported her. The heated exchange, captured on a livestream, quickly went viral — sparking outrage across social media and drawing condemnation from the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO).
In the video, Nawat can be heard shouting at Bosch, warning contestants that if they left, they’d be out of the competition. Despite the threat, many women stood up in solidarity and walked out with Miss Mexico, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark, who declared: “This is about women’s rights… to trash another girl is beyond disrespectful.”
Miss Mexico later told the press she was called “dumb” and described the encounter as “disrespectful and humiliating.” Mr Nawat has denied using the term, claiming he was misunderstood and only meant that Bosch had caused “damage.”
Following the backlash, MUO President Raul Rocha released a video statement condemning the Thai official’s actions as “malicious” and “a serious abuse.” Rocha said a delegation of executives had been sent to Thailand to take over the pageant’s operations and warned of potential legal action against Mr Nawat.
“I wish to reiterate that Miss Universe is an empowerment platform for women,” Rocha said. “Mr Nawat forgot what it means to be a genuine host.”
In response to the growing backlash, Nawat later issued an apology, saying: “If anyone feels bad or uncomfortable, I apologise to everyone — especially the girls who were present.”
Despite the controversy, the Miss Universe competition continues in Bangkok, with the grand finale set for November 21, where a new Miss Universe will be crowned.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.