Several contestants have walked out of a Miss Universe event after an official from host nation Thailand publicly berated Miss Mexico in a tense confrontation.
At a pre-pageant ceremony, Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil told off Fatima Bosch in front of dozens of contestants for failing to post promotional content.
When she objected, Mr. Itsaragrisil called security and threatened to disqualify those supporting her. Ms. Bosch then left the room, prompting others to join her in solidarity.
Video of the incident, which was live streamed, has been shared online. The Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) has condemned Mr. Itsaragrisil's malicious behavior, for which he has since apologized.
The Miss Universe contestants, who are the winners of national pageants in their home countries, attended Tuesday's event in their sashes and gowns.
Some can be heard shouting back at Mr. Itsaragrisil in the video, after he raises his voice to reprimand Ms. Bosch and repeatedly tells her to stop talking.
As many of them stand to show their support, Mr. Itsaragrisil states: If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down. If you step out, the rest of the girls continue. Despite this, the majority of the women seem to stand in solidarity with Ms. Bosch instead.
After leaving the event, Ms. Bosch indicated that Mr. Itsaragrisil had shown a lack of respect, even calling her dumb.
His conduct prompted a stern rebuke from the MUO, which has dispatched international representatives to oversee the competition.
In a video statement, MUO President Raul Rocha stated that Mr. Itsaragrisil had forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host. He accused him of humiliating and showing a lack of respect to Ms. Bosch, while also declaring intentions for possible legal action against him.
Among those to walk out was reigning Miss Universe, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark, who voiced the issue as a matter of women's rights. She expressed her discontent, stating, This is not how things should be handled. To trash another girl is beyond disrespectful.
Ms. Bosch emphasized her commitment to using her platform to advocate for women, stating, I came here to be a voice for all the women and girls who fight for causes. I want my country to know that I’m not afraid to make my voice heard.
Despite the controversy, the Miss Universe competition continues, with contestants participating in a welcome event in Bangkok, while the new Miss Universe will be crowned on November 21.
