There are fashion scandals, and then there are pageant power plays — the kind that stop the music mid-show. That’s exactly what unfolded this week at the Miss Universe pre-pageant event in Thailand, when Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, found herself at the centre of a tense and very public confrontation that spiraled into a walkout seen around the world.
It started with what should’ve been a simple promotional moment. But instead, Thailand director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, turned the stage into a reprimand session, calling out Bosch in front of her fellow contestants for allegedly failing to post promotional content. When Bosch attempted to defend herself, the exchange grew heated — security was called, threats of disqualification were made, and solidarity took over.
Nawat Itsaragrisil, the organizer of Miss Universe 2025, speaks during a competition event in Bangkok on Nov. 5.Credit…Rungroj Yongrit/EPA, via Shutterstock
One by one, contestants stood up. Some left the room entirely. Among them, reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark, who declared, “This is about women’s rights… To trash another girl is beyond disrespectful. That’s why I’m walking out.”
The video, streamed live and now circulating across social media, shows Bosch keeping her composure even as Mr. Nawat’s voice rises. It’s uncomfortable to watch — especially for an event that brands itself as a platform for empowerment and elegance.
The Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) has since condemned the Thai executive’s actions, calling them “malicious” and “humiliating,” and announced that his role in the pageant would be reduced or removed entirely. In his own apology, Nawat insisted his words were misunderstood — a claim that hasn’t done much to calm global outrage.
Fatima Bosch said Nawat Itsaragrisil was “not respectful” at the pre-pageant ceremony on Tuesday
But perhaps the most powerful moment came after the cameras stopped rolling. Bosch told reporters, “I just want my country to know I’m not afraid to make my voice heard. I’m not a doll to be styled and silenced.”
Her words have since echoed across the internet, resonating far beyond pageant circles. Because at its core, this wasn’t just about a beauty contest. It was a reminder that grace under pressure isn’t just about poise — it’s about power.
As the Miss Universe competition moves forward in Bangkok, one thing is certain: this year’s crown will sit heavier than usual, resting on the shoulders of women who’ve made it clear that silence is no longer part of the performance.
