Several contestants at the Miss Universe pageant left in protest following a tense confrontation between Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, and Nawat Itsaragrisil, director of Miss Universe Thailand.
The conflict took place during a pre-pageant event when Nawat publicly criticized Bosch for not posting required promotional content. When Bosch challenged the criticism, Nawat called security and threatened to disqualify anyone supporting her.
"He called me ‘dumb,’" Bosch later told the press. "He was not respectful."
Many contestants, visibly upset by the official’s behavior, stood in support of Bosch. When Nawat ordered the protestors to either sit down or leave, numerous contestants, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig from Denmark, chose to exit the ceremony.
Nawat warned, “If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down. If you step out, the rest of the girls continue.”
The confrontation was broadcast live and quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread attention and sparking discussions about respect and fairness in the competition.
The incident spotlighted tensions within the pageant and raised questions about professionalism and treatment of contestants at Miss Universe events.
Author’s summary: The dispute between Miss Mexico and the host's official led to a significant contestant walkout, exposing deep rifts and calls for respect in the Miss Universe pageant.