Several contestants at the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok walked out of a pre-pageant event following a heated confrontation between Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil and Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch. The incident has sparked widespread criticism and debate over respect, empowerment, and the treatment of contestants.
The confrontation occurred during a ceremony on Tuesday night when Mr. Nawat chastised Bosch in front of dozens of participants for not posting a promotional video. When Bosch raised objections, the director allegedly called security and threatened to disqualify anyone who showed support for her. Feeling intimidated, Bosch left the room, and other contestants followed her in solidarity, demonstrating their support for her stance.
Video footage of the event, which was live streamed, quickly circulated online. Contestants, who had won national pageants in their home countries, were wearing sashes and evening gowns at the ceremony. In the video, some participants can be seen confronting Mr. Nawat after he raised his voice and repeatedly ordered Bosch to stop speaking. He reportedly said, “If anyone wishes to continue the contest, please sit down. If you leave, the other girls will continue.” Despite this, the majority of contestants stood their ground and exited the room in protest.
After leaving the event, Bosch told reporters that the 60-year-old Thai official had been “not respectful” and had called her “dumb.” Mr. Nawat contested these claims, stating that his comments were misconstrued. He argued that he had referred to her as having caused “damage” rather than using derogatory language.
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) quickly condemned the incident, describing Mr. Nawat’s behavior as “malicious” and unprofessional. A delegation of international executives was dispatched to oversee the pageant, and MUO President Raul Rocha criticized the Thai director for humiliating Bosch and using security to intimidate her. He stated that Mr. Nawat’s involvement in the event would be curtailed or removed entirely, and that legal action could follow. “Miss Universe is a platform to empower women and ensure their voices are heard,” Rocha said.
The reigning Miss Universe, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark, was among those who walked out in protest. “This is about women’s rights,” she said. “This is not how things should be handled. To trash another girl is beyond disrespectful. That is why I am taking my coat and walking out.”
Bosch later emphasized her determination to stand up for women’s voices. “I just want to let my country know, I am not afraid to make my voice heard. It is here stronger than ever. I have a purpose. I have things to say. We are in the 21st century. I am 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 am completely committed to that,” she said.
Social media users and pageant fans have widely condemned Mr. Nawat’s conduct, while praising Bosch and other contestants for standing up against intimidation. Despite the controversy, the Miss Universe competition continued on Wednesday, with contestants attending a welcoming reception in Bangkok. The winner will be crowned the next Miss Universe on November 21, concluding what has already become one of the most talked-about pageants in recent years.
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