Several contestants reportedly walked out of a Miss Universe event following a tense confrontation in which an official from host nation Thailand publicly berated Miss Mexico.
During a pre-pageant ceremony, Nawat Itsaragrisil, the director of Miss Universe Thailand, allegedly reprimanded Fatima Bosch in front of numerous contestants for allegedly failing to post promotional content.
Reports indicate that when Ms. Bosch objected, Mr. Itsaragrisil summoned security and threatened to disqualify those who supported her. Subsequently, Ms. Bosch left the room, and other contestants reportedly joined her in solidarity.
Video footage of the incident, which was reportedly live-streamed, has circulated online. The Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) has condemned Mr. Itsaragrisil’s behavior as “malicious,” and he has since reportedly issued an apology.
The Miss Universe contestants, winners of national pageants in their respective countries, were reportedly present at Tuesday’s event wearing their sashes and gowns.
According to reports, some contestants can be heard vocally objecting to Mr. Itsaragrisil in the video after he raised his voice to reprimand Ms. Bosch and repeatedly told her to stop talking.
As many contestants reportedly stood in support of Ms. Bosch, Mr. Itsaragrisil allegedly stated: “If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down. If you step out, the rest of the girls continue.”
Despite this, the majority of the women in the video appeared to be standing, with several reportedly heading toward the door.
Following her departure from the event on Tuesday, Ms. Bosch reportedly told the press that the 60-year-old executive was “not respectful” and alleged that he had called her “dumb.”
Mr. Itsaragrisil has reportedly disputed this account, claiming his words had been misunderstood.
While widely reported to have called the 25-year-old a “dumbhead,” he later claimed at a press conference that he was saying she had caused “damage.”
His conduct has reportedly prompted a strong rebuke from the MUO, which has dispatched a delegation of international executives to assume control of the competition.
In a video statement, MUO President Raul Rocha stated that Mr. Itsaragrisil had “forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host.”
He stated that the Thai official had “humiliated, insulted and showed a lack of respect” to Ms. Bosch, and committed the “serious abuse of having called security to intimidate a defenceless woman.”
Mr. Itsaragrisil’s participation in the pageant would be limited “as much as possible” or eliminated entirely, Mr. Rocha stated, adding that the MUO would be taking “legal actions” against him.
“I wish to reiterate that Miss Universe is an empowerment platform for women so that their voices can be heard in the world,” Mr. Rocha said.
Among those who reportedly walked out on Tuesday was the reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark.
“This is about women’s rights,” she said as she left the event. “This is not how things should be handled. To trash another girl is beyond disrespectful… That’s why I’m taking my coat and I’m walking out.”
Ms. Bosch later stated in an interview: “I just want to let my country know, I’m not afraid to make my voice heard. It’s here stronger than ever. I have a purpose. I have things to say.
“We’re in the 21st century. I’m not a doll to be made up, styled and have my clothes changed,” she added.
“I came here to be a voice for all the women and all the girls who fight for causes and to tell my country that I’m completely committed to that.”
Video of Mr. Itsaragrisil has reportedly outraged fans of the pageant, with many heavily criticizing his actions and praising Ms. Bosch’s response.
In a social media video statement, Mr. Itsaragrisil stated: “If anyone feels bad, uncomfortable, or affected, I apologise to everyone. I especially apologised to the girls who were present, around 75 of them.”
The Miss Universe competition has reportedly pressed on despite this controversy, with contestants taking part in a welcome event in Bangkok on Wednesday.
The winner will be crowned the new Miss Universe on 21 November.
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