Miss Universe candidates walk out of pre-pageant event after heated exchange with Nawat Itsaragrisil
With less than three weeks until coronation night, there appears to be ongoing tension within the Miss Universe Organization as they hold their activities in this year’s host country, Thailand.
On Nov. 4, tension erupted at the supposed sashing ceremony involving Miss Universe Mexico 2025 Fátima Bosch and Nawat Itsaragrisil, founder of the Miss Grand International pageant and national director of Miss Universe Thailand.
During the event, as seen on the live stream of MU Thailand, Nawat was seen asking for Miss Mexico to stand up. He then confronted her for not posting about Thailand and its activities as this year's host country, and not taking part in a sponsor shoot by MU Thailand, but agreed to be filmed by Telemundo.
Several accounts said Bosch stood up for herself and later walked out of the room. Other delegates were seen in the video standing up seemingly to follow suit, which prompted Nawat to shout, "Stop, stop! Security," and ask them to sit down.
"Sit down. If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down. If you step out, [inaudible] will continue.”
Later on, Nawat agreed to admit those who walked out, except for Bosch, “because she’s always talking too much with my team. Let her come back if she wants.”
The commotion also led reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig to walk out of the venue, and she called for women's empowerment and respect.
Shortly after, Bosch of MU Mexico spoke up regarding the incident.
"I truly love Thailand. I have so much respect for all of you...but what your director [Nawat] just did was not respectful. He called me ‘dumb’ because he has problems with the organization and I think that’s not fair. Because I'm here and I do everything okay, I don't mess with anyone, I'm just trying to be kind, trying to give my best," Bosch said.
"I think that the world needs to see this, because we are empowered women. This platform is meant for our voice, and no one can shut our voice, and no one will do that to me," she continued.
"To everyone, especially women, no matter how big your dreams are, even if you wear a crown, if something costs you your dignity, you need to walk away. Thank you," she added.
Meanwhile, reigning queen Theilvig expressed her support for Bosch, stressing the importance of knowing one's worth and setting boundaries.
“Standing up for yourself is not always easy, but it is one of the most important acts of self-respect and strength you can show. It means knowing your worth, setting boundaries, and not allowing anyone or anything to undermine your voice or your value. It’s about acknowledging that you have a right to be heard, to express your opinions, and to pursue your dreams, regardless of any obstacles that may come your way. Enough is enough, and our voices will be heard loud and clear," she wrote in her Instagram story.
She also shared a photo of some of this year's candidates, writing, "This is empowerment. This is sisterhood. Forever and always [Miss Universe]."
'Unauthorized' activities by Miss Universe Thailand
Over the weekend, MUO released an earlier statement debunking the event about “Special Dinner & Talk Show" with Nawat, where social media users were asked to vote via Facebook and Instagram reactions and shares.
MUO stressed in its statement that the activity "is not authorized."
"The Organization further declares that any promotional materials, contests, or voting initiatives currently circulating online under the Miss Universe name, including those associated with the aforementioned event, are unauthorized and misleading. Such initiatives do not represent the values, operations, or official activities of the Miss Universe Organization," its Nov. 2 statement read.
For their part, MU Thailand said that the said activity was part of the official marketing package authorized for them as the host country.
"The voting process is a fair and transparent selection method designed to determine which delegates will participate in specific activities among a large number of contestants," the statement read.
"The recent announcement by MUO has unfortunately led to public misunderstanding, despite the fact that our actions are fully within the rights and privileges granted to us as the official Host," MU Thailand continued. It added that it will explore necessary legal actions regarding any potential impact on their Thai sponsors.
On Nov. 3, the MGI also distanced itself from MUO's activities of promoting online casinos, as such activity is strictly illegal under Thai law.
MUO reaffirms the official stages of the competition
The following day, MUO President Raul Rocha Cantu reaffirmed that the competition will only have four official stages of evaluation: personal interview, national costume presentation, evening gown presentation, and swimsuit presentation.
He stressed that the candidates' "dignity, integrity, and well-being" are their highest priority.
"You are not only contestants, but ambassadors of hope, intelligence, and empowerment. We will not, under any circumstances, allow your image, presence, or identity to be used in any way that diminishes your worth or the values of this organization. You are the pillars of Miss Universe, and every action we take is guided by respect for you and for the honor you bring to this platform," he said.
"These are the only moments that will be considered by the official judges in determining the outcome of the competition. No delegate will receive any form of preference or advantage outside of these four official categories," he said in the statement.
"The integrity of this process is absolute and will be upheld with the utmost professionalism," he added.
MU CEO flies to Thailand
After the sashing event, MUO on its Nov. 4 statement, said that the organization's CEO, Mario Búcaro, is on his way to Thailand to "strengthen collaboration with the host country, MGI, and relevant authorities."
"The Miss Universe Organization reaffirms its commitment to working closely with the host community, the Miss Grand International Organization, and all local partners to ensure the continued success of the 74th Miss Universe competition. Together, we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of respect, safety, and integrity for all participants, staff, and stakeholders," it said.
"This mission aims to coordinate efforts, ensure a secure and professional environment for all delegates, and reaffirm MUO’s commitment to transparency, respect, and unity," it added.
MUO also said that all planned events and activities will proceed as scheduled, with the full support and collaboration of the host country and MGI.
"The Miss Universe Organization remains steadfast in its mission to promote collaboration, respect, and opportunity for women around the world, working hand in hand with all partners to ensure a safe, inspiring, and memorable experience for every delegate," it concluded.
The 74th Miss Universe pageant coronation will happen on Nov. 21. Ahtisa Manalo is vying for the Philippines' fifth MU crown.
