Bangkok, Thailand — November 6, 2025 — The staging of the 74th Miss Universe pageant has been rocked by controversy after contestants staged a collective walk-out in protest of a senior pageant executive’s derogatory remarks toward Fátima Bosch, the Miss Mexico delegate. The incident occurred during a pre-pageant sashing ceremony in Pak Kret, Thailand, and was widely livestreamed, sparking global backlash against the organization’s leadership.
What Went Wrong
According to footage of the live event, Nawat Itsaragrisil, director of Miss Universe Thailand and vice president for Asia and Oceania of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), called out Fátima Bosch for allegedly refusing to participate in a promotional group photo shoot. He publicly accused her of showing “no respect” and, during the exchange, called her a “dumb” act in front of other contestants.
Bosch attempted to defend herself, stating she had a voice and that she felt disrespected. When security was summoned by Itsaragrisil to escort her out, dozens of fellow contestants—including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig—stood up and walked out in solidarity.
Organizers Respond & Fallout
In response to the backlash, MUO President Raúl Rocha Cantú condemned Itsaragrisil’s behaviour as a “violation of the values of respect and dignity toward women,” announcing that Itsaragrisil’s participation in official pageant events would be restricted. The sash ceremony was postponed amid the uproar. The National
Following the incident, social media erupted in support of the contestants, and calls mounted for deeper reform of pageant culture and leadership accountability. Bosch’s national organisation highlighted the exchange as emblematic of longstanding issues around gender and power in beauty contests.
Why It Matters
- The collective walk-out marks a rare moment of contestant unity and protest in the typically glamorous world of beauty pageants.
- The incident brings into focus wider debates about dignity, gender equality, and the role of pageants in empowering young women.
- The timing is sensitive: the Miss Universe crown event is just weeks away (November 21 in Thailand), and the organisation now faces elevated scrutiny.
