Miss Universe contestants walked out at a Thai pre-pageant event after Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly scolded Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch for not posting promotional material online, the BBC reported.
In a video streamed live, Nawat Itsaragrisil reprimanded Fatima Bosch in front of other participants, telling the Mexican contestant to «stop talking» and threatening to disqualify anyone who supported her. When Bosch left the room, many contestants stood up and followed in protest.
Following the incident, Fatima Bosch said the organizer had been disrespectful and had called her «dumb,» a claim that Itsaragrisil denied. He later apologized, saying his words had been misinterpreted.
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) condemned Nawat Itsaragrisil’s behaviour as «malicious» and announced that its international team would assume control of the event. President of MUO Raul Rocha said that Nawat Itsaragrisil had humiliated Fatima Bosch and misused his authority, adding that legal action was being considered and that Nawat’s role in the competition would be restricted.
Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark, the reigning Miss Universe 2023, also walked out, citing women’s rights and respect as her reasons.
This year’s Miss Universe pageant is taking place in Thailand, featuring representatives from more than 100 countries. The event opened on Nov. 19 with the national costume show, and the final competition will be held on Nov. 21.
