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Miss Universe contestants walk out after Thailand director berates Miss Mexico
A group of Miss Universe contestants staged a walkout on Tuesday after the pageant's Thailand director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, publicly berated Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, during a pre-pageant event in Bangkok. The confrontation, captured in a live-streamed video, escalated when Bosch objected to Itsaragrisil's criticism for her alleged failure to post promotional content, prompting the director to threaten disqualification and call security.
The confrontation
During the ceremony, attended by dozens of contestants in sashes and gowns, Itsaragrisil raised his voice at Bosch, 25, repeatedly telling her to stop talking. When she and others stood in solidarity, the 60-year-old director warned, "If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down. If you step out, the rest of the girls continue." Despite his warning, most contestants remained standing, and several, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark, left the room in protest.
In footage shared widely online, Itsaragrisil is heard shouting, while contestants shout back in defense of Bosch. Theilvig later told reporters, "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 I'm walking out."
Allegations and apologies
Bosch accused Itsaragrisil of being "not respectful" and claimed he called her "dumb" during the altercation. While Itsaragrisil disputed her account, multiple reports suggest he referred to her as a "dumbhead." In a press conference, he later claimed his remarks were misunderstood and that he had actually said she caused "damage."
On Wednesday, Itsaragrisil issued a video apology, stating, "If anyone feels bad, uncomfortable, or affected, I apologise to everyone. I especially apologised to the girls who were present, around 75 of them."
Miss Universe Organisation responds
The Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) swiftly condemned Itsaragrisil's "malicious" behavior, calling it a "serious abuse of power." In a video statement, MUO President Raul Rocha said the Thai director had "humiliated, insulted, and showed a lack of respect" toward Bosch and had "forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host."
Rocha announced that the MUO would limit or eliminate Itsaragrisil's involvement in the pageant and pursue "legal actions" against him. "Miss Universe is an empowerment platform for women so that their voices can be heard in the world," Rocha emphasized. A delegation of international executives has since taken over the competition's operations in Bangkok.
"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."
Fatima Bosch, Miss Mexico
Contestants rally behind Bosch
Bosch, in a post-event interview, rejected the notion of being treated as "a doll to be made up, styled, and have my clothes changed." She asserted, "We're in the 21st century. I came here to be a voice for all the women and all the girls who fight for causes."
Fans of the pageant have flooded social media with support for Bosch and criticism of Itsaragrisil's conduct. Despite the controversy, the competition proceeded as scheduled, with contestants participating in a welcome event in Bangkok on Wednesday. The 2025 Miss Universe will be crowned on 21 November.
