The 74th Miss Universe pageant began with controversy due to a heated confrontation between the participants and hosts, specifically the Miss Universe Thailand (MUT) national director, just as the sashing ceremony was set to commence this week, reports Philstar Global.
The event was marred by confusion stemming from conflicting statements from the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) and MUT, despite MUT’s national director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, also being the MUO Executive Director.
MUO disapproved of a “Special Dinner & Talk Show” promoted by MUT, which wasn’t officially approved; however, MUT claimed it was part of their marketing strategy, permissible under host oversight. All contestants for Miss Universe 2025 arrived in Thailand to begin pre-pageant events with the Sashing Ceremony on Tuesday, according to Philstar Global.
Stay updated with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Before the event started, Nawat addressed the contestants to affirm MUT’s promotional activities’ legality and raised issues about candidates skipping promo shoots and sponsors tied to online casinos, which are illegal in Thailand.
Nawat invited contestants who disagreed with MUT’s promo plans to raise their hands. When no one responded, he singled out Mexico’s representative, Fatima Bosch, as reported by Philstar Global.
The ‘you’re dumb’ remark
Nawat claimed that Fatima was instructed by her national director not to post about Thailand, prompting her to explain. After agreeing to follow Nawat’s orders, he alleged that Mexico’s director had been “kicked out of the country.”
“It’s impolite, it’s not proper… if you follow your national director’s orders, you are dumb,” Nawat stated, quoted by Philstar Global.
Minutes later, Fatima sought clarification, angering Nawat, who insisted he was still speaking.
“I’m speaking to everyone. Why stand to speak to me?” Nawat asked, to which Fatima replied, “Because I have a voice…” Nawat interrupted, “Yes, you have a voice, but you must respect.”
“But you’re not respecting me as a woman,” Fatima countered, leading Nawat to call security to escort her out, eliciting gasps and groans from other participants.
From the back, Fatima asserted, “As women, we deserve respect. I’m representing my country; it’s not my fault if you have issues with my organization,” as quoted by Philstar Global.
The walkout by contestants
This led reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig to leave, expressing to media her disapproval of the situation.
“We respect everyone, but this isn’t the way to handle things. Disrespecting another girl is unacceptable,” Victoria stated, leaving, as quoted by Philstar Global.
Inside, some candidates followed Victoria’s lead, despite Nawat urging them to stay.
“Stay seated. To continue, remain seated. If you leave, others will proceed,” Nawat declared.
Fatima, accompanied by Iraq’s Hanin Al Qoreishy, left as well. She expressed admiration for Thai people but criticized Nawat’s “dumb” comment.
“The world should hear and see this; we are empowered women. This platform is for our voices, and no one can silence us,” Fatima stated, as quoted by Philstar Global.
Interestingly, the Philippines last won in 2018, during Thailand’s previous hosting, by Ahtisa’s Binibining Pilipinas batchmate Catriona Gray.
The apology
Itsaragrisil shifted to damage control. At a press conference the next day, he apologized.
“I didn’t intend harm because I respect you all. I’m sorry this occurred,” he said, quoted by ABS CBN. “I apologize if anyone felt uncomfortable… I’m truly sorry.”
He denied abusing anyone, stating, “I’ve seen many messages with bad words I didn’t say,” and clarified, “Someone misquoted me.”
