A drama-filled controversy erupted at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Bangkok, where tensions boiled over into a walkout led by several contestants.
According to reports by the NY Post, the chaos began during a live-streamed sash ceremony when Thai pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly confronted Miss Mexico Ftima Bosch, accusing her of skipping a promotional shoot and demanding she “stand up and explain” herself in front of the entire room.
The exchange, however, escalated. According to the NY Post, Itsaragrisil called Bosch a “dummy” on-camera, leading to a wave of disbelief among delegates and viewers watching the livestream.
Refusing to remain silent, Bosch defended herself and called out the treatment, saying she was being disrespected and declaring, “You are not respecting me as a woman, nor as a representative of my country.” Her strong response received applause and nods from contestants nearby.
Moments later, the situation intensified as more than a dozen contestants, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjr Theilvig also stood up and walked out in solidarity with Bosch.
A video of the same has gone viral on social media.
NY Post reported that the protest sent a surge of rage through the pageant venue and social media, where clips of the confrontation went viral, getting circulated with hashtags such as #StandWithFatima and #RespectQueens.
Following the backlash he received, Itsaragrisil issued a public apology. He claimed his comments were misunderstood and said he had privately addressed the matter with the delegates.
However, the Miss Universe Organisation soon intervened, announcing that a senior executive would be flown to Thailand to oversee operations and ensure a respectful and professional environment for all participants moving forward.
The fallout uncovered the dark reality surrounding the treatment of contestants and the culture behind the scenes at international beauty competitions.
– Ends
