Multiple Miss Universe contestants staged a walkout during a pre-pageant event in Bangkok after an organizer publicly berated Miss Mexico, sparking outrage and leading to an apology from the official. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, was livestreamed and has drawn widespread condemnation for its disrespectful handling.
During the ceremony, Nawat Itsaragrisil, a director of Miss Universe Thailand, confronted Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch for allegedly failing to promote the host country on social media. He accused her of not participating in a sponsored photoshoot and called her derogatory names such as ‘dummy’ or ‘dumbhead’. When Bosch stood up to defend herself, stating that she had a voice and was not being respected, Itsaragrisil interrupted her and summoned security. This escalation prompted Bosch to leave the room, with many other contestants following in solidarity.
Dozens of contestants, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark, walked out despite warnings from Itsaragrisil that they might be disqualified. Theilvig emphasized that the issue was about women’s rights and respect, highlighting the inappropriate handling of the situation. The walkout demonstrated unity among the participants and their commitment to standing up against disrespect, with some contestants shouting back in protest during the livestream.
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) quickly condemned Itsaragrisil’s behavior, describing it as ‘malicious’ and a ‘serious abuse’. MUO President Raul Rocha announced that a delegation was sent to Thailand to take over running the competition and that Itsaragrisil’s involvement would be limited or eliminated. Legal actions were also considered against him for his conduct, which was seen as humiliating and insulting to Bosch.
In response, Itsaragrisil issued a public apology via social media, expressing regret for causing discomfort and specifically apologizing to the approximately 75 contestants present. He claimed that his words were misunderstood, but the apology did little to mitigate the damage to his reputation and the pageant’s image. The incident has raised questions about the treatment of contestants in beauty pageants and the need for better oversight.
The walkout has sparked broader discussions about women’s empowerment and respect in such events, with contestants like Bosch emphasizing that they are not objects but voices for change. This aligns with modern values of diversity and inclusion, challenging traditional pageant norms. Despite the controversy, the Miss Universe competition has continued with scheduled events, including a welcome ceremony in Bangkok.
The winner is set to be crowned on November 21, 2025, but this episode may lead to lasting reforms in pageant management to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all delegates. It underscores the importance of upholding integrity and empowerment in global competitions, potentially influencing future editions of Miss Universe and similar events.