Chaos at Miss Universe as contestants walk out after Thailand tells off Miss Mexico

A confrontation disrupted the Miss Universe 2025 preliminaries in Bangkok on Tuesday when dozens of contestants staged a mass walkout after Nawat Itsaragrisil, the event's Thai director, publicly humiliated Fatima Bosch, Miss Mexico, branding her a "dumbhead" and summoning security to eject her from a live-streamed ceremony.

The confrontation unfolded during Day 3 preliminaries at a Bangkok hotel, ahead of the November 21 finals at Impact Arena. Nawat Itsaragrisil, the 60-year-old president of Miss Grand International and director of Miss Universe Thailand, singled out the 25-year-old Fatima Bosch during a sashing event broadcast on the official Miss Universe Thailand Facebook page. He accused her of defying instructions from her national director to post promotional content on Instagram celebrating Thailand as host country, including sponsor activities. Nawat Itsaragrisil said: "Fatima Bosch, where are you? I heard you [did] not agree to post everything about Thailand."

Ms Bosch, an advocate for women's rights from Mexico's Tabasco state, rose to defend herself, insisting she followed guidance from the Miss Universe Mexico organisation that the contest-a personal initiative by Mr Itsaragrisil-was not an official requirement.

She said: "I'm here representing my country, and it's not my fault you have problems with my organisation."

Mr Itsaragrisil interrupted, saying: "No, you must listen to me first, then argue with me. I didn't give you the opportunity to talk. I'm still talking!"

He then labelled her a "dumbhead"-later claiming he meant she caused "damage"-and called for security.

He warned: "If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down. If you step out, the rest of the girls continue."

Ms Bosch then strode out, coat in hand. In solidarity, around 75 contestants followed, including reigning Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark.

She said: "This is about women's rights. This is not how things should be handled. To trash another girl is beyond disrespectful... That's why I'm taking my coat and I'm walking out."

Nicole Peiliker-Visser, Miss Bonaire, pleaded for calm, but the exodus halted proceedings.

Footage of the confrontation, captured live, spread online via an X post by pageant fan @Dainsleif_10 at 8:39am GMT, amassing over 615,000 views in hours.

Hashtags like #StandWithMexico and #JusticeForFatima trended globally, fuelling calls for Nawat Itsaragrisil's ousting.

The Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) condemned the outburst as abusive. Raul Rocha, MUO president, expressed "great indignation" in a video statement at Mr Itsaragrisil's "public aggression," accusing him of humiliating Ms Bosch, showing "lack of respect," and the "serious abuse" of intimidating a "defenceless woman" via security.

Raul Rocha said: "Nawat, you need to stop. You have forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host."

Mr Rocha floated the idea of possible legal action. Meanwhile Lupita Jones, Mexico's national director, said: "No one can shut our voice."

Mr Itsaragrisil apologised via TikTok and social media on Wednesday, breaking down in tears as he addressed the 75 delegates directly.

He said: "If anyone feels bad, uncomfortable, or affected, I apologise to everyone. I especially apologised to the girls who were present. I did not intend to harm anyone." He disputed the "dumb" slur but admitted his words were misunderstood, claiming he said "damaged".

Ms Bosch addressed reporters alongside Miss Iraq. Fatima Bosch said: "I truly love Thailand... But what your director just did was not respectful-he called me 'dumb' because he has problems with the organisation.

"I'm not afraid to make my voice heard... We're in the 21st century. I'm not a doll... I came here to be a voice for all the women and girls who fight for causes."

The competition, featuring 122 delegates from around the world, resumed on Wednesday with remaining preliminaries, including swimsuit and evening gown segments, scheduled over the weekend.

The MUO delegation arrived in Bangkok to monitor activities and enforce guidelines, while online petitions demanding Mr Itsaragrisil's removal have gathered over 50,000 signatures.