A Miss Universe contestant who was called ‘dumb’ in a humiliating dressing-down by a pageant official has hit back with a powerful speech about being a ‘voice’ for all women.
It comes as furious organisers have condemned the treatment of Miss Universe Mexico, Fátima Bosch, by Thai boss Nawat Itsaragrisil – who himself has issued a grovelling apology on TikTok.
In a dramatic moment that has been reposted all over social media, Nawat demanded that security escort Bosch out of a ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, after she accused him of not ‘respecting [her] as a woman’.
As a show of solidarity with the 25-year-old beauty queen, dozens of other contestants then stormed out of the room with her in a mass walkout, including Danish model Victoria Kjær Theilvig, crowned Miss Universe 2024.
‘As a country you have all my respect, I truly love Thailand – but what your director did is not respectful, he called me dumb,’ Bosch told the press after the incident.
The clash went viral online, with hundreds of fans and former contestants swarming to her defense and praising her for standing up to the official.
‘I think that the world needs to see this, because we are empowered women and this is a platform for our voice, and no one can shut our voice,’ she said as a crowd cheered in support.
Miss Universe President Raúl Rocha Cantú delivered a stern statement condemning Nawat, saying: ‘I will not allow the values of respect and dignity toward women to be violated.’
In a livestream on TikTok, Nawat apologised to Bosch and said he was working closely with the Miss Universe team to make the situation ‘better’.
The incident occurred during the sashing ceremony at the Miss Universe delegates’ hotel, when Nawat, Vice President for Asia and Oceania within the Miss Universe Organisation, confronted Bosch about her absence from a sponsor shoot earlier that day.
When the visibly uncomfortable beauty queen responded to the vice president that she did not want to be publicly reprimanded before her pageant peers, he took to the microphone to interrupt, telling her: ‘I didn’t give you the opportunity to talk… I’m still talking, I’m still talking, listen!’
‘I have a voice,’ Bosch replied defiantly, in footage broadcast on the official Miss Universe Thailand Facebook page.
In some clips, it appeared that the executive repeatedly accused the woman of being a ‘dumb act’.
The argument continued at the live-streamed ceremony, with the vice president saying: ‘My question is: Can you can work to promote Thailand or not – yes or no?’
Nawat then instructed security to escort Bosch out of the hotel.
‘I am not afraid to raise my voice, I am here stronger than ever, I have a purpose [and] things to say,’ the beauty queen told the press after the incident, explaining that it was unfair that the official blamed her for problems he had with the ‘organisation’.
‘We’re in the 21st century, I’m not a doll doing her makeup, hair and changing her clothes – I came here to [be] a voice for women and girls who fight for causes,’ she said.
‘[To] everyone at home, every woman, [it] doesn’t matter if you have a big dream, if you have a crown – if that takes away your dignity, you need to go.’
In a mass revolt in support of the beauty queen, several of her fellow contestants proceeded to stand up from their seats ready to storm out of the room.
A distressed Nawat could be heard shouting ‘Stop, stop!’ as the models began making their way out of the ceremony, demanding that they ‘Sit down’.
Theilvig, the first Dane to win the top title after she beat out Miss Nigeria at the 73rd edition of the pageant in Mexico City last year, was one of the pageant queens who stormed out of the ceremony alongside Miss Mexico.
Justifying her protest against pageant authority, 21-year-old Theilvig said: ‘This is about women’s rights.
‘To trash another girl – it’s beyond disrespectful and it’s nothing I’ve ever done. That’s why I’m taking my coat and I’m going.’
Following the incident, Theilvig uploaded a photo of her and Bosch on the Miss Universe stage alongside a message of support.
‘Forever proud of my @fatimaboschfdz,’ she wrote.
‘Standing up for yourself is not always easy, but it is one of the most important acts of self-respect and strength you can show.
‘It means knowing your worth, setting boundaries, and not allowing anyone or anything to undermine your voice or your value.
‘It’s about acknowledging that you have a right to be heard, to express your opinions, and to pursue your dreams, regardless of any obstacles that may come your way.
‘Enough is enough, and our voices will be heard loud and clear!’
Melissa Flores Godínez, who was crowned Miss Universe Mexico 2023 at the pageant in El Salvador, took to Instagram to express support for Bosch.
‘Our representative Fátima Bosch has raised her voice – she has done it for her, but also for all the women who have gone through unjust situations in any area, whether professional, family or personal.
‘I applaud your courage, and I share your message.’
Influencers described the walkout as ‘the most empowering act in Miss Universe history’.
Others, however, accused the Danish titleholder of overstepping protocol and disrupting the official event.
Some Thai fans defended Nawat, suggesting his comments had been mistranslated or taken out of context.
The Miss Universe Organisation released a statement saying: ‘All scheduled events and activities will continue as planned, reaffirming our shared goal of delivering an exceptional celebration that reflects the values of diversity, empowerment, and inclusion that define the Miss Universe legacy.’
Later, President Rocha delivered a stronger message, criticising Nawat for his attempt to ‘silence and exclude’ Bosch.
‘Unfortunately, Nawat has forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host,’ he said.
‘It means to demonstrate to all delegates, of all countries, that he as a host has an obligation to serve them, assist them, and support them.
‘I would like to make clear my great indignation towards Nawat for the public aggression he committed against Fátima Bosch, who he humiliated, insulted, and showed a lack of respect – in addition to the serious abuse of having called security to intimidate a defenseless woman.’
The Miss Universe Organisation, now owned by Thailand-based JKN Global Group, has faced increasing criticism over transparency and contestant treatment.
The Bangkok walkout has reignited those concerns, with critics saying it highlights a ‘toxic culture’ of public shaming within the organisation.
It comes after Miss Universe fans were left outraged after it was revealed that competition winner Lina Luaces had a shocking connection to the entertainment world.
The 22-year-old, who hails from Miami, Florida, was crowned as Miss Cuba 2025 in July.
However, many seemed to be skeptical of Luaces’ win, as it was revealed that she is the daughter of Univision host Lili Estefan.
Her uncle, Emilio Estefan, is a music producer and businessman and her aunt is famous singer Gloria Estefan.
Lili, Gloria and Emilio were born in Cuba, while Luaces grew up in Miami.
Her mother is estimated to have a net worth of around $500 million.
Many even took to the official Miss Universe Cuba Instagram page to air their grievances, with some even claiming that it was ‘rigged’ due to the ‘nepo baby’ win.
