The 74th Miss Universe pageant began with controversy following a heated exchange between participants and hosts, including the Miss Universe Thailand (MUT) national director, as the ceremonial sashing of candidates was about to start earlier this week, according to Philstar Global.
The pageant faced confusion due to conflicting statements from the main Miss Universe Organization (MUO) and hosts Miss Universe Thailand (MUT), despite the latter’s national director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, serving as MUO Executive Director.
MUO had criticized a “Special Dinner & Talk Show” promoted by MUT, which was not officially sanctioned; however, MUT claimed the event was part of its marketing campaign, which hosts are allowed to oversee. All the competing queens for Miss Universe 2025 arrived in Thailand to start pre-pageant activities with the Sashing Ceremony on Tuesday, as reported by Philstar Global.
Before the event began, Nawat addressed all the assembled queens to reiterate that MUT’s promotional activities are legal, while also mentioning issues such as candidates not participating in promo shoots and sponsors linked to online casinos, which is illegal in Thailand.
Regarding the latter, Nawat asked the participating contestants who disagreed with MUT’s promo ideas to raise their hands.
When the room stayed silent, Nawat called on Mexico’s representative, Fatima Bosch, as reported by Philstar Global.
Nawat claimed his staff reported that Fatima was instructed by her national director not to post anything about Thailand, prompting Fatima to explain her position.
After Fatima confirmed she would follow Nawat’s orders, Nawat alleged that Mexico’s national director had been “kicked out of the country.”
“It’s not polite, it’s not good… if you follow orders from your national director, you are dumb,” Nawat said, as quoted by Philstar Global.
A few minutes later, Fatima stood up again for clarification, angering Nawat, who repeatedly said he was still talking on the microphone.
“I’m still talking to everybody. Why are you standing up to talk to me?” Nawat asked, to which Fatima replied, “Because I have a voice…” but Nawat cut her off, saying, “Yes, you have a voice, but you have to respect.”
“But you are not respecting me as a woman,” Fatima responded, after which Nawat called on security to escort her outside the room, causing audible gasps and groans from other candidates.
From the back of the room, Fatima can be heard saying, “As a woman, we are respected and need to be respected. I’m here representing my country, it’s not my fault you have problems with my organization,” as quoted by Philstar Global.
The exchange led to reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig leaving the room, expressing her dismay to pageant media outside regarding how the situation was handled.
“We have respect for everyone, but this is not how things should be handled, to trash another girl is beyond disrespectful,” Victoria said, as cited by Philstar Global.
Back inside the room, some candidates chose to follow Victoria and walked out, despite Nawat’s calls for everyone to stay seated.
“Sit down. If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down. If you step out, the rest of the girls will continue,” Nawat said.
Fatima was among those who walked out, with Iraq’s Hanin Al Qoreishy beside her. The beauty queen expressed her love, respect, and amazement for Thai people but lamented Nawat’s comments, particularly about being “dumb.”
“I think that the world needs to hear and see this because we are all empowered women. This platform is meant for our voice, and no one can shut our voice,” Fatima said, as quoted by Philstar Global.
Coincidentally, the last time the Philippines won was in 2018, when Thailand last hosted, by Ahtisa’s Binibining Pilipinas batchmate Catriona Gray.
Nawat later switched to damage control. At a press conference a day later, he issued an apology.
“I did not intend to harm anyone because I respect all of you. But I have to say, I am so sorry this happened,” he was quoted as saying by ABS CBN. “I have to apologize to the delegates if anyone felt uncomfortable… I am very sorry.”
He denied that he abused anyone. “Because I saw so many messages, like some word, I didn’t say that,” he was quoted as saying. “Someone put a really bad word.”
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