Mass walkout rocks Miss Universe after Thai organiser Nawat Itsaragrisil berates Miss Mexico in front of contestants
The Miss Universe competition has been thrown into turmoil after several contestants staged a dramatic walkout in protest over the public humiliation of Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, by a senior pageant official from the host nation, Thailand.
At a pre-pageant event in Bangkok on Tuesday, Nawat Itsaragrisil, the director of Miss Universe Thailand, reprimanded Ms Bosch in front of dozens of contestants, accusing her of failing to post required promotional content. The tense exchange, broadcast live on social media, quickly escalated as Mr Nawat raised his voice and threatened to disqualify anyone who sided with her.
When Ms Bosch objected to his comments, Mr Nawat called for security and warned that those who walked out would forfeit their place in the contest. “If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down. If you step out, the rest of the girls continue,” he told the room.
But solidarity prevailed. Video from the event shows the majority of contestants rising to their feet, several heading toward the exit in protest. Among them was reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark, who declared, “This is about women’s rights. This is not how things should be handled. To trash another girl is beyond disrespectful. That’s why I’m taking my coat and walking out.”
After leaving the venue, Ms Bosch told reporters that Mr Nawat had been “not respectful,” claiming he called her “dumb” during the confrontation. The 25-year-old said she refused to stay silent. “I’m not a doll to be made up, styled and have my clothes changed,” she said. “I came here to be a voice for women and girls who fight for causes in their countries. My purpose is to make my voice heard.”
Mr Nawat later disputed the claim, insisting his words had been misunderstood. While he was widely reported to have called Ms Bosch a “dumbhead,” he later claimed he meant to say she had caused “damage.”
The Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) swiftly condemned Mr Nawat’s conduct, calling it “malicious and deeply inappropriate.” In a strongly worded statement, MUO president Raul Rocha accused the Thai organiser of having “humiliated, insulted, and intimidated a defenceless woman,” adding that his actions “forgot the true meaning of being a host.”
Mr Rocha said a delegation of international executives had flown to Bangkok to assume control of the event and limit Mr Nawat’s involvement “as much as possible.” The organisation also announced plans to pursue legal action against him.
“Miss Universe is an empowerment platform for women so their voices can be heard,” Mr Rocha said. “That principle must never be compromised.”
The backlash online was swift and furious. Fans flooded social media to express outrage, praising Ms Bosch for standing up to what many described as “misogynistic” and “bullying” behaviour.
Faced with mounting pressure, Mr Nawat issued an apology in a video message on Wednesday. “If anyone feels bad, uncomfortable or affected, I apologise to everyone,” he said. “I especially apologise to the girls who were present, around 75 of them.”
Despite the controversy, the Miss Universe pageant has continued, with contestants attending an official welcome event in Bangkok the following day.
The fallout, however, has overshadowed preparations for the grand finale, which is scheduled to take place on 21 November. Whether Mr Nawat will play any role in the remaining events remains unclear.
For Ms Bosch, the confrontation has only strengthened her resolve. “We’re in the 21st century,” she said after the walkout. “I’m not afraid to make my voice heard, it’s stronger than ever.