MISS UNIVERSE 2025: CONTESTANTS STAGE WALKOUT IN SOLIDARITY WITH MISS MEXICO

A wave of solidarity swept through the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand after a public confrontation led dozens of contestants to walk out in support of Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, who was berated by a senior organiser.

The incident occurred during a pre-pageant ceremony when Nawat Itsaragrisil, the national director for Miss Universe Thailand, openly reprimanded Bosch for what he claimed was a failure to post required promotional content.

When Bosch attempted to respond, the situation escalated. Video from the live-streamed event shows Nawat raising his voice, instructing her to stop talking, and summoning security. He further threatened disqualification for any contestants who supported her.

Miss Mexico exited the room, and she was quickly followed by a majority of the other delegates, who stood and walked out in protest. Reigning Miss Universe, Denmark’s Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, was among those who left, stating, “This is about women’s rights… To trash another girl is beyond disrespectful.“

The Miss Universe Organisation (MUO)condemned Nawat’s actions, describing his behaviour as “malicious.” In a video statement, MUO President Raul Rocha said Nawat had “humiliated, insulted and showed a lack of respect” to Bosch and committed a “serious abuse of having called security to intimidate a defenceless woman.” Rocha announced that the organisation was limiting Nawat’s future involvement “as much as possible” or eliminating it entirely and would be pursuing “legal actions” against him.

Following the walkout, Bosch told press that the 60-year-old executive was “not respectful” and had called her “dumb.” Nawat has disputed this account, claiming his words were misunderstood; though widely reported to have called the 25-year-old a “dumbhead,” he insisted at a press conference he was referring to “damage” she had caused.

Nawat has since issued a public apology, saying, “If anyone feels bad, uncomfortable, or affected, I apologise to everyone.” Despite the controversy, the Miss Universe competition has continued, with a welcome event held in Bangkok on Wednesday. The finale is scheduled for November 21st.