Misunderstanding at Miss Universe: Confrontation triggers candidate walkout

Metro Manila, Philippines - Chaos erupted ahead of the Miss Universe sashing ceremony in Thailand after Nawat Itsaragrisil, Miss Universe Thailand owner and chairperson of the host committee, publicly reprimanded candidates, even calling out Miss Universe Mexico, Fátima Bosch, for refusing to promote Thailand and post content about pageant activities.

In a video posted on Miss Universe Thailand, Nawat scolded delegates for not cooperating with production requirements.

“So if you not pay attention to promote the host country… to post your work, to do the video clip, to promote every activity like a voice, like and share — you make a lot of problem to us,” he said.

He argued that respect for the host country is part of the pageant.

“Do not respect Thailand — you not Miss Universe,” Nawat said, adding that “only the intelligent woman and empower and stand on the right side must be with you.”

Nawat also demanded that those who refused to post content raise their hands.

“I have the list. Who not agree to do the video record? Show up your hand. I give you another chance,” he said.

At one point, he confronted Bosch directly: “Okay, Mexico. I heard you’re not agreeing to post everything about Thailand, about every article, about our activity. Is it true? You can follow our step or not? You can post or not? Yes or no?”

The situation escalated when Nawat called for security, ending the video abruptly. A number of candidates reportedly walked out.

Outside the venue, Bosch told pageant vloggers she felt humiliated.

“It doesn’t matter if you have a crown, but if that takes away your dignity, you have to go,” she said.

Meanwhile, Miss Universe Organization (MUO) president Raul Rocha earlier clarified that judging will rely only on four categories - personal interview, national costume, evening gown, and swimsuit - assuring “absolute fairness and transparency.”

“No delegate will receive any form of preference or advantage outside of these four official categories,” Rocha said.

The MUO has yet to issue another statement following the confrontation.