In a dramatic incident at a Miss Universe pre-pageant event in Bangkok, contestants staged a walkout in solidarity with Miss Mexico after she was publicly berated by a Thai organizer. The confrontation, which was livestreamed, sparked widespread condemnation and led to the organizer’s apology and potential removal from the competition.
During a pre-pageant ceremony in Bangkok on Tuesday, November 4, Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly reprimanded Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, for allegedly failing to participate in promotional activities for the host country. The incident, which was broadcast live on the pageant’s official channels, quickly escalated when Itsaragrisil accused Bosch of following directives from her national organization and called her a “dummy” for her actions. As Bosch stood to defend herself, stating she had a voice and deserved respect, Itsaragrisil summoned security, intensifying the tension in the room.
The confrontation reached a tipping point when Bosch decided to leave the event, declaring that as women, they deserved respect and that she was representing her country. In a show of solidarity, numerous other contestants stood up and followed her out, despite Itsaragrisil’s warning that those who left would be disqualified from the competition. Video footage shows the majority of the women standing and many exiting, highlighting the unified stance against the perceived disrespect.
Reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark was among those who walked out, emphasizing that the issue was about women’s rights and that such behavior was unacceptable. She stated, “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.” Her comments underscored the broader significance of the incident beyond the pageant itself.
Following the walkout, Bosch spoke to the press, asserting that she was not afraid to make her voice heard and that she came to the competition to be a voice for women and girls fighting for causes. She emphasized, “We’re in the 21st century. I’m not a doll to be made up, styled and have my clothes changed,” reinforcing the empowerment message that Miss Universe aims to promote.
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) swiftly responded, condemning Itsaragrisil’s behavior as “malicious” and sending a high-level delegation to Thailand to oversee the competition. In a video statement, MUO President Raul Rocha stated that Itsaragrisil had “humiliated, insulted and showed a lack of respect” to Bosch and committed a “serious abuse” by calling security. Rocha announced that Itsaragrisil’s participation would be limited or eliminated, and legal actions were being considered.
Itsaragrisil later apologized in a social media video, saying, “If anyone feels bad, uncomfortable, or affected, I apologise to everyone. I especially apologised to the girls who were present.” However, he disputed calling Bosch “dumb,” claiming his words were misunderstood, though multiple reports and video evidence suggest otherwise.
Despite the controversy, the Miss Universe competition has continued, with contestants participating in subsequent events in Bangkok. The pageant is scheduled to crown the new Miss Universe on November 21, and the organization has reaffirmed its commitment to diversity, empowerment, and inclusion. This incident has sparked discussions about respect and professionalism in international pageants, with many praising the contestants for standing up for their rights. The walkout and its aftermath highlight ongoing challenges in balancing cultural hosting responsibilities with the core values of women’s empowerment that modern pageants advocate. It serves as a reminder that such events are not just about beauty but about providing a platform for voices to be heard, as echoed by Bosch and her supporters.