Beauty pageants are more than just walking down a runway looking pretty. They serve as a platform for women to use their voices and advocate for their rights. They also inspire others to do good, stand their ground, and fight against the injustices they or their communities may face. Recently, we’ve seen that belief put into practice.
Earlier this week, controversy erupted after several Miss Universe contestants walked out during a sashing ceremony when a director allegedly called one of the participants “dumb”. Here’s what happened:
During a live broadcast of the Miss Universe sashing ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, Nawat Itsaragrisil, the chairman of the Miss Universe Thailand Host Committee and CEO of Miss Grand International, was heard insulting Miss Universe Mexico, Fátima Bosch, by calling her a “dumbhead”. According to reports, Nawat called out the beauty queen during the event and berated her for failing to post promotional content. Fátima reportedly responded that there must have been a misunderstanding about her obligations and what she was required to do.
After being publicly humiliated and threatened with disqualification from the pageant, Fátima stood up and walked out of the ceremony, with other contestants joining her in solidarity. As it turns out, Miss Universe 2024 winner Victoria Theilvig was also in attendance and walked out in support of Miss Universe Mexico. “This is about women’s rights. We have respect for everyone, but this is not how things should be handled. To trash another girl is beyond disrespectful,” she told reporters before leaving the venue.
The moment instantly went viral, with netizens praising the Miss Universe contestants for their show of unity and condemning the chairman for his unacceptable behaviour. When the news broke, the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) released a statement criticising Nawat Itsaragrisil’s actions. As a result, his involvement in the pageant will reportedly be restricted or possibly eliminated entirely.
“Mr Nawat had forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host. The decision came after he became the centre of attention instead of the contestants, humiliating and insulting a defenceless woman. No one has the right to harm or intimidate a woman, least of all one representing her nation on our stage,” said MUO president Raúl Rocha.
Nawat Itsaragrisil has since apologised for his words and actions, though fans of the pageant have been less than forgiving, given his history of previous controversies. There were also reports of a gambling scandal, but that’s a story for another day. Still, despite the chaos surrounding the contest, the Miss Universe 2025 events and activities are expected to proceed as scheduled.
Watch the viral incident below:
@channelnewsasia The director of Miss Universe Thailand, Nawat Itsaragrisil, has been restricted from taking part in events related to this year’s Miss Universe competition after he was seen reprimanding contestants during a livestream on Tuesday (Nov 4). He publicly called Miss Universe Mexico, Fatima Bosch, a “dumbhead” for allegedly following her country director’s advice not to post materials promoting the host country, Thailand. Following the exchange, Ms Bosch walked out of the room, prompting other contestants to leave the sashing ceremony as well.
Miss Universe 2024 winner Victoria Theilvig walking out:
@ahtisa_universeph Victoria Kjaer also walk out and has message #victoriakjaer #missuniverse
Miss Universe Organisation’s statement:
Sources: TikTok, Instagram, MalayMail, BBC, Cosmopolitan
