Miss Universe contestants walk out after organiser Nawat Itsaragrisil berates Miss Mexico - 2024 champion Victoria Kjaer Theilvig shows support
Several Miss Universe contestants have walked out of an event after an organiser publicly berated Miss Mexico, with Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjaer Theilvig among those offering support.
Fatima Bosch told reporters that Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil labelled her “dumb” after the Miss Mexico contestant allegedly failed to post promotional content on social media for the event, which is taking place in Thailand. Mr Nawat threatened to call security to escort her out of the room during the event, which was being livestreamed, when she objected to his outburst.
She then left the room voluntarily, with dozens of other contestants following her in solidarity. Videos from the scene show Mr Nawat, 60, telling the contestants: “If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down. If you step out, the rest of the girls continue.”
Ms Bosch, 25, told reporters that Mr Nawat was “not respectful” during the incident. He later claimed that he had called her out for causing “damage” to the event, with this being misheard as Mr Natwat calling the Miss Mexico contestant a “dumbhead”.
Among those who supported Ms Bosch in her walkout was reigning Miss Universe champion, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark. Ms Theilvig remarked upon leaving the event: “This is about women's rights. This is not how things should be handled. To trash another girl is beyond disrespectful... That's why I'm taking my coat and I'm walking out.”
Ms Bosch added later in an interview: “I just want to let my country know, I'm not afraid to make my voice heard. It's here stronger than ever. I have a purpose. I have things to say. 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 and to tell my country that I'm completely committed to that.”
The Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) condemned Mr Nawat’s behaviour, labelling it “malicious”. MUO President Raúl Rocha released a video statement on social media saying that Mr Nawat had "forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host", adding that he had undertaken a “serious abuse of having called security to intimidate a defenceless woman”.
Mr Rocha said that his participation in the Miss Universe 2025 pageant would be limited following the incident and even said that the MUO could take “legal action” against him. A delegation of international executive have been sent to take over the running of the competition, which is due to take place in Bangkok on November 21.
Mr Nawat took to social media to apologise for the incident, saying in a video: “If anyone feels bad, uncomfortable, or affected, I apologise to everyone. I especially apologised to the girls who were present, around 75 of them.”