The Miss Universe 2025 sash ceremony in Thailand erupted into chaos after national director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly insulted Mexican contestant Fátima Bosch, prompting a dramatic mass walkout by fellow participants.
The confrontation unfolded during a live-streamed event when Itsaragrisil, known for his strict management style, accused Bosch of failing to follow sponsor directives, specifically her limited social media promotion of Thailand as the host nation.
Tensions escalated when he called Bosch a “dumbhead” and ordered security to remove her from the venue after she attempted to defend herself.
The incident, captured on camera, quickly went viral.
Outside the venue, Bosch addressed reporters with composure, declaring, “I just want to let my country know, I’m not afraid to make my voice heard.”
She called for greater respect and empowerment within the pageant industry.
Her remarks ignited solidarity among contestants. More than 20 participants, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark, walked out in protest, turning the ceremony into a striking moment of defiance against perceived sexism and bullying.
Social media soon erupted with support for Bosch. Thousands praised her courage and criticised the culture of intimidation within beauty pageants.
Under mounting pressure, Itsaragrisil issued a tearful apology via livestream, claiming his comments had been misunderstood and expressing regret for offending.
Yet his statement did little to calm the backlash.
Miss Universe Organisation president and co-owner Raúl Rocha condemned the incident, describing Itsaragrisil’s behaviour as “humiliating” and “disrespectful.”
In defending the rights of all women, Rocha was emphatic: “I will not allow the values of respect and dignity toward women to be violated.”
Rocha announced that senior executives would be dispatched to Thailand to restore order, including new Miss Universe CEO Mario Búcaro from Guatemala and Ronald Day, recently appointed CEO for the organisation’s Western Region.