The Miss Universe 2025 competition has been rocked by controversy after several contestants staged a walkout in protest against comments made by pageant organizer Nawat Itsaragrisil, who allegedly berated Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, during a pre-pageant ceremony in Bangkok on Tuesday.

Bosch said the incident occurred when Itsaragrisil, the long-time president of the Miss Grand International organization and a prominent figure in Thailand’s beauty industry, publicly criticized her demeanor and appearance in front of other contestants and guests.

“He was not respectful,” Bosch told reporters afterward. “I was embarrassed and disappointed. No one deserves to be spoken to like that, especially in a setting meant to celebrate women.”

Witnesses say Itsaragrisil’s remarks - described as “harsh and condescending” — led to an immediate backlash among contestants. Within minutes, multiple representatives, including those from Colombia, Argentina, and the Philippines, left the hall in solidarity with Bosch.

A Walkout That Shook the Pageant

Videos shared on social media show contestants quietly walking out of the ballroom while the host attempted to continue the event. The footage, now viral, has drawn millions of views across TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), sparking global discussions about respect, professionalism, and the treatment of women in international pageants.

The Miss Universe organization has not issued an official statement but insiders confirmed to BBC News that an internal review is underway to assess whether Itsaragrisil’s conduct violated pageant protocols.

Local media in Thailand reported that the incident happened during a rehearsal dinner where finalists were introduced to sponsors and national directors. Bosch was reportedly interrupted mid-speech when Itsaragrisil criticized her “attitude” and told her to “be more grateful.”

Growing Calls for Accountability

The backlash has been swift. Fans across Latin America and Asia — where pageantry enjoys massive followings — have flooded social media with messages supporting Bosch and demanding public accountability from organizers.

Former contestants, including several ex-Miss Universe titleholders, have also voiced concern. Andrea Meza, Miss Universe 2020 and a fellow Mexican, posted:

“No woman should be humiliated in public. Pageants are about empowerment, not control.”

Human rights and women’s advocacy groups in Thailand and Mexico have also weighed in, describing the event as part of a broader issue of power imbalance in the beauty industry.

Nawat’s Response

In a brief statement to Thai media, Nawat Itsaragrisil denied wrongdoing, saying his comments were “taken out of context.” He claimed he was offering Bosch “constructive feedback” and accused online critics of distorting the narrative for drama.

However, that explanation has done little to quell the outrage. Miss Universe’s global director Amy Emmerich is reportedly flying to Bangkok to address the situation before the final round later this month.

What Happens Next

Organizers are facing mounting pressure to issue a public apology and guarantee contestant safety and dignity ahead of the live broadcast. Some pageant analysts warn that the controversy could overshadow the competition entirely, potentially hurting sponsorship and viewership.

As the Miss Universe 2025 event approaches, the focus has shifted from gowns and interviews to questions about ethics and respect in one of the world’s most-watched competitions.

“The crown means nothing,” one contestant wrote anonymously in a group chat later leaked online, “if the people behind it forget what it’s supposed to stand for.”