Europe Asia News

During a pre-contest ceremony, Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil reprimanded Fatima Bosch in front of dozens of contestants for not sharing promotional content.

Angered, Nawat called security and threatened to disqualify anyone supporting her. Bosch later left the room, followed by others in solidarity.

A video of the live-streamed incident spread online. The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) condemned Nawat’s “malicious” behavior, and Nawat later apologized.

His behavior also drew a strong reaction from MUO, which sent a delegation of international executives to oversee the competition. MUO President Raul Rocha said in a video statement that Nawat had “forgotten the true meaning of being a host.”

Among those who left the stage on Tuesday was Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, who said: “This is about women’s rights. It shouldn’t be handled like this. Shaming another girl is more than disrespectful… That’s why I’m taking my coat and leaving.”

Miss Mexico Bosch later said in an interview: “I want my country to know that I am not afraid to speak out. I am stronger than ever here. I have a purpose. I have something to say. We are in the 21st century. I am not a doll to be painted and dressed up. I came here to be the voice of all women and girls fighting for causes, and to tell my country that I am fully committed to it.”

Despite the controversy, the Miss Universe competition continued, with contestants attending a welcome event held in Bangkok on Wednesday.

The winner will be crowned the new Miss Universe on November 21.