The glitz of Miss Universe 2025 dimmed unexpectedly after tensions boiled over during what was supposed to be a celebratory pre-pageant event in Bangkok, leading several candidates—along with reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig—to walk out in protest.
The incident unfolded during a sashing ceremony livestreamed by Miss Universe Thailand, where Nawat Itsaragrisil, national director of Miss Universe Thailand and founder of Miss Grand International, confronted Mexico’s Fátima Bosch over her alleged lack of participation in host-country promotions. Nawat accused Bosch of not attending sponsor events and failing to post about Thailand while granting interviews to foreign media.
The confrontation escalated when Bosch defended herself, prompting Nawat to raise his voice and order security to stop other candidates from leaving. “Sit down. If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down. If you step out, you’re done,” he was heard saying. Bosch exited the room soon after, with other contestants reportedly following in solidarity.
Witnesses say reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig quietly left moments later, signaling her disapproval of the treatment toward Bosch. On social media, she wrote, “Standing up for yourself is not always easy, but it’s a matter of self-respect. Enough is enough. Our voices will be heard loud and clear.” She later posted a photo captioned “This is empowerment. This is sisterhood.”
Bosch also took to Instagram to address the public: “I truly love Thailand, but what happened was not respectful. I was called ‘dumb’ simply because of issues beyond my control. As women, we are taught to be kind and strong—but not silent. No crown is worth your dignity.”
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has since released a statement reaffirming that it does not condone disrespectful behavior and that the welfare of delegates remains its top priority. MUO President Raul Rocha Cantú underscored that only four official segments—interview, national costume, evening gown, and swimsuit—will determine the competition results. “You are not contestants but ambassadors of hope and empowerment,” he said.
The controversy deepened as MUO denied authorizing several promotional events organized by the Thai hosts, including a public “Dinner and Talk Show” and online voting activities that used the Miss Universe name. MUO called these initiatives “unauthorized and misleading,” while the Thai organizers defended them as part of the official marketing rights granted to them as hosts.
In response, MUO CEO Mario Búcaro flew to Bangkok to mediate between the organizations and restore order ahead of the coronation night on November 21. The group emphasized that “all activities will proceed as planned, with full respect for the dignity, safety, and integrity of every delegate.”
As the world watches, the controversy casts a shadow over what is meant to be a global celebration of women’s empowerment. With the Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo vying for the crown, the unfolding events have turned Miss Universe 2025 into one of the most talked-about—and most turbulent—editions in recent memory.