Miss Universe 2025 contestants stage walkouts in Thailand after alleged humiliation of Miss Mexico

Pageant drama unfolds during pre-event ceremony

The Miss Universe 2025 pageant, one of the most anticipated global beauty events of the year, has been hit by controversy after several contestants reportedly staged walkouts during a pre-pageant event in Bangkok, Thailand.

According to multiple reports, the protest was triggered by an incident involving Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, who was allegedly insulted and humiliated by a senior Thai official, Nawat Itsaragrisil, during a closed-door promotional session.

The situation has since drawn widespread attention online, with many observers calling for transparency and professionalism within the Miss Universe organization.

What led to the walkout

The confrontation reportedly occurred during a pre-event promotional meeting, where contestants were reminded to promote Miss Universe sponsors and local partners on social media. Sources at the event claim that Nawat Itsaragrisil, a prominent Thai pageant organizer and one of the event’s coordinators, criticized Miss Mexico for not posting enough promotional content.

Witnesses allege that Nawat publicly referred to Bosch as “dumb” when she failed to meet the social media requirements.

According to accounts shared by several contestants, Fatima Bosch expressed her displeasure at being insulted, to which Nawat allegedly responded by calling in security personnel and threatening to disqualify her and any contestant who defended her.

Miss Mexico’s reaction

In a video that has since gone viral across X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram, Fatima Bosch addressed the incident outside the event venue, describing the official’s actions as “disrespectful” and “demeaning”.

“As a country, you have all my respect. I truly love Thailand and its people. But what your director did is not respectful,” Bosch said in the video.

“He called me dumb and told me to shut up, among other things. The world needs to see this because we are empowered women. This is a platform for our voice.”

Her statement sparked immediate reactions, with other contestants seen comforting her and later joining her in protest by leaving the venue.

Contestants show solidarity

Following Bosch’s departure, contestants from several countries—including Colombia, the Philippines, Spain, South Africa, and Canada—reportedly walked out in a show of solidarity.

Videos circulating online show a group of contestants outside the venue chanting and holding hands, calling for “respect” and “fairness.”

While the exact number of participants in the walkout remains unclear, multiple eyewitness accounts confirm that dozens of contestants temporarily exited the pre-event hall in protest.

Social media backlash and global reactions

The controversy quickly dominated social media discussions across Latin America and Asia. The hashtags #StandWithFatima and #MissUniverse2025 began trending on X, with users condemning what they described as “unprofessional conduct” and “bullying.”

Pageant fans, influencers, and even former Miss Universe titleholders have weighed in. Former Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray reportedly liked several posts calling for the Miss Universe Organization to investigate the incident, though she has not made an official statement.

Prominent Mexican celebrities and fans have also rallied behind Bosch, praising her for standing up for herself and demanding accountability from event organizers.

Miss Universe Organization responds

As the controversy intensified, representatives of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) issued a brief statement acknowledging that they were aware of the situation and were conducting an internal review.

“The Miss Universe Organization is committed to fostering an environment of respect, empowerment, and inclusion. We take all concerns seriously and are looking into the matter to ensure fairness and professionalism,” the statement read.

However, the MUO did not confirm or deny Nawat Itsaragrisil’s involvement in the alleged altercation.

About Nawat Itsaragrisil

Nawat Itsaragrisil is a well-known figure in the global beauty pageant industry. He is the founder of Miss Grand International, another major international beauty competition hosted annually in Thailand.

Although Nawat is not an official executive of the Miss Universe Organization, he reportedly collaborates with local partners to assist in logistics and event management. His alleged comments toward Miss Mexico have reignited criticism of how some pageant organizers treat contestants behind the scenes.

Broader implications for Miss Universe

The Miss Universe pageant has long branded itself as a platform for empowering women and promoting diversity and global unity. However, the 2025 controversy raises questions about whether those ideals are consistently upheld behind closed doors.

Analysts note that public perception is vital for the pageant’s credibility, especially in an age where contestants have direct platforms to share their experiences with millions of followers online.

“Miss Universe has built its legacy on celebrating women’s strength and intelligence. Any perception of disrespect or favoritism can damage that image,” said Dr. Leah Mendoza, a cultural analyst specializing in media representation and gender.

Calls for accountability

Women’s rights advocates and pageant fans have called for a formal apology from the Miss Universe Organization and for disciplinary measures to be taken against any official found guilty of misconduct.

Meanwhile, supporters of Fatima Bosch continue to demand assurances that contestants will not face retaliation for speaking out.

As of Thursday evening, Miss Mexico remains in Thailand, though it is unclear whether she will continue participating in the competition.

Looking ahead

The Miss Universe 2025 grand finale is scheduled to take place later this month in Bangkok, with contestants from over 80 countries expected to compete for the crown.

Whether this controversy will impact the event’s outcome or public reception remains to be seen. Still, the incident has already sparked an important global conversation about respect, professionalism, and women’s empowerment in the pageant world.