A scandal broke during a pre-event for the 74th Miss Universe competition in Bangkok, Thailand, when contestants from multiple countries staged a walkout in response to a Thai director’s offensive remarks.
According to Reuters, the incident occurred on November 4 during a preliminary meeting in front of the main meeting Miss Universe final. Representatives from around the world were mingling and greeting each other warmly when Nawat Itsaragrisil, a Thai executive affiliated with the competition, took the stage and quickly changed the atmosphere with an aggressive speech.
In a shocking moment, Nawat called out Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, for allegedly refusing to follow the organizers’ instructions. The committee had asked attendees to post promotional content for the event on their social media accounts, but Bosch refused, citing the need to consult with its country director.
Nawat interpreted this as a challenge and publicly berated her, reportedly saying: “If you follow the orders of your national director, you are a stupid head.”
Stunned by the insult, Bosch replied: “I have a voice. You don’t respect me as a woman,” before leaving the event.
It was soon followed by other contestants, including last year’s Miss Universe the winner, the Danish Victoria Kjær Theilvig, in a powerful act of solidarity. Nawat, in turn, tried to prevent further exits, ordering security to “lock the doors” and threatening to proceed without those who had left.
The confrontation, broadcast live online, quickly went viral, sparking widespread condemnation of Nawat for his disrespectful behavior.
As the backlash intensifies, the Miss Universe The committee issued an emergency declaration, revealing that it is considering legal and administrative action against Nawat, including the removal of his authority.
Nawat held a tearful press conference to issue a formal apology. Despite the turmoil, the official opening ceremony of Miss Universe went ahead as planned, with both Nawat and Miss Mexico in attendance.
THE 74th Miss Universe The final will take place in Thailand on November 21.
Sources: Daum
