This year’s Miss Universe pageant in Thailand has been overshadowed by controversy and emotional drama, following a heated dispute involving a contestant and the event’s host.
More than 120 women from around the world are competing for the Miss Universe crown, but the lead-up to the event has been dominated by off-stage scandals rather than glamour.
The drama erupted when Mexico’s representative, Fatima Bosch, walked out of a meeting after Thai host Nawat Itsaragrisil allegedly insulted her intelligence. The confrontation, captured on a livestream, showed Nawat appearing to call Bosch a “dumbhead” over her failure to post promotional content online — a claim he later denied.
After security was called in, Bosch walked out of the room, joined by Miss Iraq. “What your director did is not respectful. He called me dumb,” Bosch told reporters. “The world needs to see this because we are empowered women, and this is our platform.”
The incident sparked global attention, including from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who praised Bosch for speaking out. “She is an example of how women should respond to aggression,” Sheinbaum said, adding that women “look prettier when we speak out.”
The Miss Universe Organization publicly condemned Nawat’s actions. Its president, Raul Rocha, accused him of “public aggression” and said his role in the event would be limited, emphasizing that the pageant must uphold respect and dignity for women.
In a later press conference, a tearful Nawat apologized, saying, “I am human. The pressure is a lot. I did not intend to harm anyone. I respect all of you.”
The Thai mogul, who also leads Miss Grand International, has faced similar controversies before. Last year, contestants of his other pageant complained about poor treatment during an event in Cambodia.
This year’s Miss Universe pageant also faced scrutiny earlier when Thai police investigated some contestants for allegedly filming videos featuring branded casino merchandise, breaching Thailand’s strict gambling laws.
Despite the turmoil, organizers confirmed that the Miss Universe 2025 final will proceed as scheduled on November 21 in Nonthaburi province.
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