Miss Universe Walkout After Thai Director Confronts Miss Mexico

Poonam Sharma
In a dramatic turn of events, several contestants walked out in protest during the pre-pageant event of Miss Universe in Thailand on Tuesday. This was after Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil berated Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, in front of dozens of contestants. Captured on live video, the incident has stirred global outrage and put the beauty pageant into an unprecedented controversy.

The controversy happened during a pre-pageant activity when Mr Nawat confronted Ms Bosch for allegedly failing to post promotional content, as required by the host organizers. Eyewitnesses described a tense confrontation that quickly escalated, with Mr Nawat reportedly raising his voice, calling security, and threatening to disqualify any contestant supporting Ms Bosch. The result: Ms Bosch walked out of the event in defiance, followed by multiple contestants in a powerful display of solidarity.

Video footage of the incident that quickly went viral on social media shows Ms Bosch standing her ground as the Thai director repeatedly reprimanded her. Contestants in the room can be heard shouting back, challenging the authority of Mr Nawat. “If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down. If you step out, the rest of the girls continue,” he reportedly said, attempting to assert control over the escalating situation. Yet the majority of contestants refused to comply, many standing in silent protest before heading towards the exit.

Ms Bosch told the press afterwards that the 60-year-old director had been “not respectful”, claiming he had called her “dumb.” Mr Nawat later disputed the exact wording, claiming he meant to say she had caused “damage” to the image of the pageant. However, witnesses and the viral footage strongly suggested a tone of humiliation and intimidation.

The fallout was swift. The MUO condemned Mr Nawat’s behavior as “malicious” and a delegation of international executives were sent to Bangkok to take over the management of the pageant. MUO President Raul Rocha said he was deeply dismayed by the Thai director’s actions, stating : “He has forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host. He humiliated, insulted, and showed a lack of respect to Ms Bosch and committed the serious abuse of calling security to intimidate a defenceless woman.”

Mr Rocha further declared that the participation of Mr Nawat in the pageant would be “limited as much as possible” and that there was a possibility of actions against him. “Miss Universe is an empowerment platform for women so that their voices can be heard in the world,” he said. In saying so, the MUO made clear that it meant to protect the pageant’s reputation as a global forum for women’s rights and advocacy.

One of the most notable figures to walk out was the reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark. “This is about women’s rights,” she told reporters. “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 also talked about the incident in an interview, outlining the more general implications of what happened. “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. She further criticized the outdated and objectifying expectations imposed on women in beauty pageants: “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, and to tell my country that I’m completely committed to that.”

The fallout on social media was immediate: outraged fans of the pageant condemned Mr Nawat’s behavior and hailed Ms Bosch and the other contestants for standing their ground against intimidation and moral policing. Videos of the confrontation went viral, sparking international debate about respect, power, and women’s empowerment in the pageant world.

Facing mounting criticism, Mr Nawat put out a video statement on social media saying, “If anyone feels bad, uncomfortable, or affected, I apologize to everyone. I especially apologised to the girls who were there, some 75 of them.” This apology came as recognition of the controversy, critics say, but it is not serving to alleviate the embarrassment and intimidation experienced by the contestants.

So, in the face of all this drama, the Miss Universe competition had to go on. In Bangkok today, Wednesday, contestants attended a welcome event in apparent good spirits, in a show of poise and professionalism uncommon in most people under such circumstances. Yet, the anticipation isn’t only for the winner now but also for how the MUO will address bigger issues regarding accountability and respect for the contestants. The Miss Universe 2025 crown will be handed out on 21 November, but the Bangkok walkout is almost certain to be remembered as one of the most dramatic and contentious moments in the history of the pageant. It has raised urgent questions about the treatment of women in competitive beauty events, the responsibility of organizers, and the power dynamics still existing behind the glamour and glitz of international pageantry. One thing is certain: Fatima Bosch and her co-contestants sent a strong message to the world that women’s voices shall not be silenced, and that solidarity is capable of shaking even the most unyielding bastion of authority. The Bangkok incident had started out as a confrontation over promotional obligations but soon transformed into a worldwide statement over respect, dignity, and empowerment in the 21st century.