A pre-pageant ceremony for the Miss Universe 2025 competition was thrown into chaos after a confrontation led to a walkout by several contestants in a show of solidarity with Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch.
The drama unfolded during an address by Nawat Itsaragrisil, the director of Miss Universe Thailand (the host nation), who appeared to have insulted Bosch in front of the assembled delegates.
The confrontation reportedly began when Nawat, the executive director of the Miss Universe Organisation, tackled Bosch for not posting sufficient promotional content for the competition on her social media channels.
As Bosch stood to defend herself, the situation escalated. Nawat threatened to disqualify any contestant who supported her.
In a now-viral video, Bosch is seen walking out of the room, an exit that is immediately followed by contestants from other nations, who rise and join her in a striking act of unity.
¡Se armó el escándalo! 😱
El director de Miss Universe Tailandia, Nawat Itsaragrisil, se volvió el centro de atención cuando protagonizó un escándalo que dejó a todos con la boca abierta, pues se atrevió a llamar “tonta” a la Miss Universo Fátima Bosch, supuestamente por las… pic.twitter.com/bIAXt4q7m3— La Razón de México (@LaRazon_mx) November 4, 2025
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Speaking to supporters outside the venue, an emotional Bosch called the director’s actions “disrespectful” and “undermining” to women.
“As a country, you have all my respect. I truly love Thailand. I respect all of you. You are amazing people. But what your director did is not respectful,” she said.
“He called me dumb because he had problems with the organisation. I think that is not fair because I am here and do everything. I do not mess with anyone. I am just trying to be kind.
“And he just struck me and said to me to shut up and other different things. I think the world needs to see this because we are empowered women. This is a platform for our voice.”
Her sentiments were echoed by Miss Denmark Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, who also left the event.
“This is about women’s rights,” she said.
“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.”
In another clip from the event, Nawat can be heard making disparaging remarks at Miss Mexico, saying, “If you follow the order from your national director, you are a dumbhead”.
Following the incident, Nawat shared a video apology on his Instagram story, attributing his behaviour to the immense pressure of organising the event.
”I think you can understand that the pressure is a lot. I am human. I cannot control myself sometimes. By the way, I do not intend (sic) to harm anyone. I respect all of you. I have to say I am sorry it happened,” he said.
”I apologise to everyone who felt uncomfortable with what happened. I am so sorry.”
Addressing the incident, Raul Rocha, the president of the Miss Universe Organisation, said Nawat had “forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host”.
Rocha added that Nawat “humiliated, insulted and showed a lack of respect” to Bosch, and committed the “serious abuse of having called security to intimidate a defenceless woman”.
The 74th Miss Universe pageant is scheduled to be held at the Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, Thailand, on November 21, 2025.
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