Several Miss Universe contestants staged a walkout during a pre-pageant event in Thailand after Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly berated Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, in front of dozens of participants. The heated confrontation, which was live-streamed, quickly went viral and has drawn global criticism against the pageant’s local organisers.
What Sparked the Miss Universe Walkout?
During the event, Mr Nawat reportedly called Ms Bosch to the front of the room to reprimand her for failing to post promotional content for the pageant. When she objected, he raised his voice, calling security and threatening to disqualify anyone who supported her. In the video, Mr Nawat can be heard saying, “If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down. If you step out, the rest of the girls continue.”
Despite the threat, many contestants stood up and followed Ms Bosch out in solidarity. Among them was reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark, who stated, “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.”
Ms Bosch later told the press that the 60-year-old director was “not respectful” and claimed he had called her “dumb.” Mr Nawat has denied using the word, saying his statement was misunderstood. However, multiple reports allege that he referred to her as a “dumbhead.”
How Did the Miss Universe Organisation Respond?
The Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) strongly condemned Mr Nawat’s “malicious” behaviour, with its president, Raul Rocha, calling his actions “humiliating, insulting, and a lack of respect.” Rocha said the Thai official had committed the “serious abuse of having called security to intimidate a defenceless woman” and confirmed that his participation in the pageant would now be “limited as much as possible or eliminated.”
He added that MUO had sent an international delegation to assume control of the event and that “legal actions” were being considered. “I wish to reiterate that Miss Universe is an empowerment platform for women so that their voices can be heard in the world,” Rocha said.
Ms Bosch responded by reaffirming her commitment to advocacy and women’s empowerment. “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,” she said. “We’re in the 21st century. I’m 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.”
Following widespread outrage online, Mr Nawat 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.”
Despite the controversy, the Miss Universe competition continued with a welcome event in Bangkok on Wednesday. The new Miss Universe will be crowned on November 21.
By Risper Akinyi