Uproar at Miss Universe event in Thailand over local organiser’s ‘dumb’ insult
The Thai organiser’s criticism of Miss Mexico prompted the reigning Miss Universe title holder from Denmark to lead a walkout
A ceremony meant to welcome this year’s Miss Universe delegates descended into turmoil after a Thai pageant organiser publicly berated Miss Mexico, prompting a walkout led by the competition’s reigning title-holder from Denmark and a last-minute postponement of the event.
“I think that the world needs to see this because we are empowered women,” said Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch, addressing the media after she was escorted out of the room by security.
“This platform is meant for our voice, and no one can shut our voice. It doesn’t matter if you have a big dream or a crown, if it takes away your dignity, you need to go,” she added.
The confrontation unfolded on Tuesday in Bangkok, just as the ceremonial “sashing” – the formal presentation where each contestant receives a sash bearing her country’s name – was about to begin ahead of the 74th Miss Universe contest later this month.
In a briefing live-streamed by Miss Universe Thailand (MUT), host organiser Nawat Itsaragrisil criticised several delegates for allegedly ignoring sponsor obligations and promotional content tied to the local host. He then singled out Bosch and accused her of disobeying instructions from the Thai organising team.
Miss Universe Thailand organiser calls Miss Mexico ‘dumb’
“It’s not polite, it’s not good… if you follow orders from your national director, you are dumb,” Nawat said.