A major controversy has erupted at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant after several contestants walked out of a pre-event ceremony in Bangkok, following what many have described as a public humiliation of Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, by a senior Thai official.
During the event, Miss Universe Thailand Director Nawat Itsaragrisil confronted Bosch in front of dozens of contestants, accusing her of failing to post promotional content. When she attempted to respond, Nawat called in security and threatened to disqualify any contestant who stood in solidarity with her.
The tense exchange, which was live-streamed, quickly went viral, drawing widespread outrage online. The Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) later condemned Nawat’s behavior as “malicious and inappropriate,” prompting an official apology from him.
Contestants Walk Out in Solidarity
In videos shared across social media, contestants can be seen standing up and leaving the room, despite Nawat’s ultimatum that anyone who exited would be removed from the competition.
“If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down. If you step out, the rest of the girls continue,” Nawat is heard saying.
However, most of the women in the video remained standing, with several led by Miss Mexico heading for the door.
Among those who walked out was reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark, who called the incident a matter of “women’s rights.”
“This is not how things should be handled,” she told reporters. “To trash another girl is beyond disrespectful. That’s why I’m taking my coat and walking out.”
Miss Mexico Speaks Out
After the confrontation, Bosch told local media that the 60-year-old Thai executive had been “disrespectful” and had called her “dumb.” Nawat denied the claim, saying his words had been misinterpreted, but later admitted he may have caused “damage” with his comments.
Bosch, 25, said she would not be silenced:
“I’m not afraid to make my voice heard. I came here to represent women and girls who fight for causes they believe in,” she said. “We’re in the 21st century I’m not a doll to be styled and silenced.”
MUO Responds
The Miss Universe Organisation issued a strong statement condemning Nawat’s actions, calling them “a humiliation and intimidation of a defenceless woman.”
MUO President Raul Rocha said the Thai official had “forgotten what it means to be a genuine host” and confirmed that Nawat’s role in the pageant would be severely limited or possibly terminated, with legal action under consideration.
“Miss Universe is an empowerment platform for women, and it will continue to uphold that mission,” Rocha said.
Online Backlash and Continuing Competition
Footage of the incident has sparked outrage across social media, with fans around the world praising Bosch for standing her ground and criticising the Thai official’s behavior.
Nawat later issued a public apology:
“If anyone feels uncomfortable or hurt, I sincerely apologise especially to the 75 contestants who were present,” he said in a social media video.
Despite the uproar, Miss Universe 2025 events are proceeding as planned, with contestants attending a welcome gala in Bangkok on Wednesday.
The new Miss Universe is set to be crowned on November 21.
