Miss Universe walkout: Thai host berates Miss Mexico, sparking international uproar

A public confrontation at a Miss Universe pre-pageant ceremony in Thailand has triggered a wave of backlash and international criticism, after the director of Miss Universe Thailand, Nawat Itsaragrisil, berated Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch in front of dozens of contestants.

The incident, which occurred on 4 November, 2025, was livestreamed and has since gone viral, prompting a rebuke from the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) and a solidarity walkout by several contestants, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark.

In the footage, Nawat chastised Bosch for allegedly failing to post promotional material on social media. When Bosch attempted to respond, Nawat raised his voice, repeatedly instructed her to stop talking, and summoned security.

He threatened disqualification for anyone supporting Bosch, telling the room, “If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down. If you step out, the rest of the girls continue.” Despite the ultimatum, many contestants stood and walked out alongside Bosch.

MUO condemns host’s conduct as “abuse”

The MUO has since issued a strong statement condemning Nawat's conduct. MUO President Raul Rocha accused him of “humiliating, insulting and showing a lack of respect” to Bosch, and of using security to intimidate her during a moment of vulnerability.

“This is a serious abuse,” Rocha said in a video address. “Miss Universe is an empowerment platform for women so that their voices can be heard in the world.”

Rocha added that Nawat's future involvement in the pageant would be “limited as much as possible” or eliminated entirely. He confirmed that MUO was taking legal action against the Thai pageant executive.

Nawat’s apology fails to quell criticism

Nawat, who is also the president of the Thailand-based Miss Grand International (MGI), initially denied insulting Bosch but later issued a video apology, saying: “If anyone feels bad, uncomfortable, or affected, I apologise to everyone. I especially apologised to the girls who were present, around 75 of them.”

He also denied calling Bosch “dumb,” claiming instead that he had been misunderstood and was referring to the “damage” caused. However, multiple reports quote him as having used the term “dumbhead,” a characterisation widely shared by media outlets and witnesses.

At a subsequent press conference, Nawat appeared emotional, stating he had been “betrayed” and “did not intend to harm anyone.” Despite the controversy, he participated in the pageant’s opening ceremony on 5 November, offering a contrite statement to the audience.

Contestants and global leaders respond

Bosch has since publicly addressed the event, stating, “The director called me dumb. The world needs to see this because we are empowered women and this is a platform for our voice.”

She added, “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.”

Miss Universe 2024, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, echoed her sentiments during the walkout, saying, “This is about women’s rights. To trash another girl is beyond disrespectful... That’s why I’m taking my coat and I’m walking out.”

The incident drew comment from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who praised Bosch’s courage, stating: “She is an example of how we women should speak out. In public events, I say women look prettier when we speak out.”

The Mexican embassy in Thailand confirmed it was in ongoing communication with Bosch and her family, though it declined further comment.

History of controversies and broader issues

This is not the first controversy involving Nawat or Thailand-based pageants. Last year, participants in Miss Grand International were reportedly made to sit on plastic chairs and eat peanuts on a tourist boat instead of attending a planned luxury cruise in Cambodia.

Additionally, this year’s Miss Universe event had already come under scrutiny before the Bosch incident, after Thai police reportedly investigated some contestants for allegedly filming promotional content featuring branding from an online casino — a potential breach of Thailand’s strict gambling laws.

Despite the growing controversy, the Miss Universe pageant continues, with a welcome event proceeding on 5 November in Bangkok. The grand finale is scheduled to take place on 21 November at Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi.