TNR News Network
SHIMLA: The 74th edition of the Miss Universe pageant opened in controversy after an unexpected confrontation between Miss Universe Thailand (MUT) national director Nawat Itsaragrisil and Miss Universe Mexico 2025, Fátima Bosch, during what was meant to be a ceremonial sashing event in Bangkok.
The incident left Bosch visibly shaken and drew criticism from contestants and pageant watchers worldwide.
According to media reports, tension erupted when Nawat addressed the assembled contestants, defending MUT’s promotional activities following disagreements between the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) and its Thai co-hosts.
MUO had earlier distanced itself from a “Special Dinner & Talk Show” organised by MUT, describing it as an unsanctioned event, a claim MUT disputed, saying it was part of their approved publicity drive.
Tense exchange at ceremony
During his speech, Nawat reportedly urged contestants to cooperate with MUT’s marketing plans and asked anyone opposing them to raise their hands. When none did, he singled out Miss Mexico, accusing her national director of instructing her not to promote Thailand.
Fátima Bosch calmly clarified that she had no objections and was happy to participate, but the situation quickly escalated. Nawat then accused her national director of being “expelled from the country” and remarked, “If you follow orders from your director, you are dumb.”
When Bosch stood to respond, Nawat interrupted her mid-sentence. “I’m still speaking — why are you standing up?” he asked. The Mexican contestant replied, “Because I have a voice.” Nawat retorted, “Yes, but you must show respect.”
Unfazed, Bosch replied firmly, “You are not respecting me as a woman.” Moments later, Nawat called security to escort her out of the room, leaving fellow delegates stunned.
As she was being led out, Bosch stated, “As women, we deserve respect. I represent my country with pride. It’s not my fault you have issues with my organisation.”
Contestants walk out in protest
The heated exchange prompted reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig to walk out in protest, denouncing the organiser’s behaviour. “We respect everyone, but no woman deserves to be treated that way,” she told reporters outside.
Several contestants, including Miss Iraq Hanin Al Qoreishy, followed her lead and exited the venue despite Nawat urging them to stay seated. “If you leave, others will continue the contest,” he warned.
Global backlash and calls for accountability
The incident has cast a shadow over the opening of Miss Universe 2025, which returns to Thailand, the same host nation where the Philippines last claimed the title in 2018 under Catriona Gray.
Fátima later expressed her disappointment on social media, writing, “I love and respect the Thai people, but the world must see this. We are empowered women; our voices matter. No one has the right to silence us.”
As the Miss Universe Organisation faces renewed scrutiny, pageant fans and advocacy groups have called for an official investigation into the organiser’s conduct. What began as a glamorous celebration of global beauty and empowerment has now turned into an unexpected controversy, leaving the Miss Universe community shaken and divided.
