The Miss Universe 2025 competition in Thailand descended into chaos on 4 Nov after a heated confrontation between the host organiser and Miss Universe Mexico led to a dramatic walkout during the sashing ceremony.
Fátima Bosch, representing Mexico, left the event after Nawat Itsaragrisil, chairman of the Miss Universe Thailand Host Committee and CEO of the Miss Grand International Organisation (MGI), called her a “dumb head” during the livestreamed ceremony on Facebook.
Several other contestants followed Bosch out of the room, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark.
Image: Facebook (Miss Universe Thailand)
Miss Universe Mexico Defends Dignity as Confrontation Escalates
Nawat singled out Bosch during the sashing ceremony for her refusal to participate in promotional materials for Thailand. He alleged that the director of Miss Universe Mexico had ordered her not to participate.
“If you follow the order from your national director, you’re a dumb head,” Nawat said during the livestream.
Bosch stood up to defend herself and call him out on his behaviour. Nawat then summoned the security team, drawing gasps and protests from others in the room.
“I’m here representing my country and it’s not my fault that you have problems with my organisation,” Bosch said before leaving.
The livestream ended as several contestants stood up to follow her out. Around 75 contestants remained in the room.
Outside, Bosch addressed the media. She said she respects Thailand and everyone in the country but that Nawat’s actions were not respectful.
“I think that the world needs to see this, because we are empowered women and this is a platform for our voice and no one can shut our voice,” she said.
“It doesn’t matter if you have a big dream or a crown. If it takes away your dignity, you need to go.”
Theilvig walked out in solidarity with Bosch, saying she believed Nawat’s actions violated women’s rights.
Tensions Between Miss Universe Organization and Thailand Host Flare Over Operations
The incident came after escalating tensions between the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) and the Thailand host committee.
One day prior to the walkout, the pageant made headlines over allegations that contestants were encouraged to promote an online gambling platform, which violates Thailand’s strict gambling laws. Nawat claimed he was not aware of this and called out MUO for mishandling operations and disregarding local laws.
A video of Nawat criticising MUO had started circulating online. “They don’t know how to run a pageant,” Nawat said in the video. “They are not active at all. But we won’t follow up with them anymore. We’re done giving advice. Now we’ll take the lead.”
Raul Rocha Cantú, the MUO president, responded by posting an image showing the significant stock market price drop of Miss Grand International Public Co Ltd. Rocha Cantú is a Mexican businessman who bought a 50 per cent stake in the Miss Universe brand in January 2024 and holds the Miss Universe Mexico copyright.
Nawat later explained that the dispute stemmed from confusion over how the competition would be judged. He said only the intensive interview, national costume, evening gown, and swimsuit rounds would count towards scoring.
This led some contestants to opt out of other events such as sponsor-related promotions. The lack of participation had already caused friction before the sashing ceremony incident.
Four MUO staff members, including Mexico’s national director, were dismissed on 3 Nov.
Nawat claimed that during his subsequent briefing to contestants, he was unable to hear Bosch clearly and asked her to stop speaking, which triggered the exchange. He said he called security as she left the formation.
Miss Universe Organization Condemns Incident, Competition to Continue
Rocha Cantú issued a video response after the walkout. “I will not allow the values of respect and dignity of women to be violated,” he said.
He later released a statement expressing his indignation at Nawat for the public aggression against Bosch. “Nawat, you need to stop,” Rocha Cantú said.
He added that Nawat’s role in the competition’s events would be significantly restricted, if not removed entirely.
The Miss Universe Mexico organization denounced the incident, stating that no woman should ever be insulted or humiliated.
MUO released a statement saying they stand firm in protecting the dignity, safety, and respect of every delegate. The organization confirmed that the competition will continue as planned, with all events proceeding in full cooperation with the host country and MGI.
MUO’s CEO, Mario Búcaro, is leading a high-level delegation to Thailand to strengthen collaboration with the host country and relevant authorities.
Despite the tension, all contestants later joined a scheduled dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River that evening on 4 Nov.
On 5 Nov, videos of Nawat’s apology circulated on social media. He apologised during a TikTok live for the recent disruption and specifically to the rest of the girls in the room.
Nawat said organisers have adopted a “let everyone do as they please” approach to maintain harmony and keep the event running smoothly.
The Miss Universe 2025 competition runs until 21 Nov across Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya, with the coronation scheduled at the IMPACT Arena.
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