During a tense pre-pageant event in Thailand, the Miss Universe contestants walk out after a public confrontation exposed deep tensions within the competition. On November 4, 2025, more than a dozen contestants—including reigning titleholder Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark—left a live-streamed ceremony in solidarity with Fátima Bosch, Miss Universe Mexico 2025, following her on-camera rebuke by Thai pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil.
The Incident: What Led to the Walkout
At a sash-ceremony event in Bangkok, Nawat Itsaragrisil, executive director overseeing the upcoming 74th edition of Miss Universe 2025, publicly confronted Bosch over her alleged refusal to participate in a promotional photoshoot.
When Bosch challenged the accusation—saying she was never told not to participate and that the public criticism was disrespectful—Itsaragrisil interrupted her and called her a “dummy.” Moments later, he ordered security to remove her from the room.
Bosch stood her ground, saying firmly, “Because I have a voice. You are not respecting me as a woman.” Her statement drew immediate applause from the audience. Within seconds, several contestants rose from their seats and walked out in protest, refusing to continue the event.
Who Walked Out and Why
The walkout included several contestants, with Miss Universe 2024 titleholder Victoria Kjær Theilvig among the first to leave. She was later seen consoling Bosch backstage and expressing that the treatment she faced was “unacceptable.”
Bosch’s courage to speak up against what many viewed as public humiliation struck a chord across social media. Her remarks—made in both English and Spanish—were widely shared, earning praise for standing up to authority and demanding respect.
Contestants who walked out cited three primary reasons:
- Solidarity with Bosch: Many wanted to support her right to speak without fear.
- Rejection of disrespect: Participants were disturbed by the tone and public nature of the confrontation.
- Demand for dignity: The walkout signaled a broader call for contestants to be treated as empowered women, not just performers in a pageant.
Organizational Response and Fallout
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) acted quickly after the incident drew global attention. In an official statement, MUO condemned the behavior shown at the event, calling it “unprofessional and disrespectful.”
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring all contestants are treated with dignity and respect. MUO also confirmed that CEO Mario Búcaro would personally oversee remaining events in Thailand, limiting Nawat Itsaragrisil’s role in the competition.
The statement emphasized:
- The pageant values of inclusivity, empowerment, and mutual respect must be upheld.
- Incidents undermining contestants’ well-being are “unacceptable.”
- The 2025 Miss Universe final will continue as planned on November 21, 2025, in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, Thailand.
Timeline of Events
| Date (2025) | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| November 3 | “Dinner & Talk Show” event | Held outside MUO’s official programming. Later deemed unauthorized. |
| November 4 | Sash-ceremony incident | Itsaragrisil publicly reprimands Miss Mexico; contestants walk out in protest. |
| November 5 | MUO intervention | Official statement issued; CEO dispatched to oversee proceedings. |
Impact on the Miss Universe Brand
For a global event long associated with glamour and empowerment, the Miss Universe contestants walk out marked one of the most significant internal crises in years.
The controversy highlighted long-standing concerns within pageantry—particularly around respect, communication, and transparency between national directors, contestants, and international executives.
For the U.S. audience, the walkout reignited debate over whether major beauty contests truly align with modern ideals of empowerment and gender equality. Many viewers expressed support for Bosch and her peers, calling their actions a “turning point” for accountability in global competitions.
Industry observers noted that how the MUO handles the aftermath will likely determine its credibility among sponsors, broadcasters, and fans.
Profiles of Key Figures
Fátima Bosch (Miss Universe Mexico 2025)
Bosch became a symbol of empowerment after refusing to accept public disrespect. Her composure and assertiveness during the confrontation resonated globally, with supporters hailing her as a voice for contestants’ rights.
Nawat Itsaragrisil
A Thai pageant executive known for his outspoken personality, Itsaragrisil’s remarks during the event triggered immediate backlash. Critics argued that his approach reflected outdated pageant culture, while supporters said the exchange was blown out of proportion.
Victoria Kjær Theilvig (Miss Universe 2024)
As reigning titleholder, Theilvig’s decision to walk out added major weight to the protest. Her visible solidarity with Bosch underscored contestants’ unity and amplified the call for reform within the pageant system.
The Broader Meaning of the Walkout
The incident has sparked renewed discussions about how beauty contests treat their participants. The Miss Universe contestants walk out is now viewed as a landmark moment in modern pageantry—a sign that contestants will no longer remain silent when faced with disrespect or mismanagement.
It also reflects a shift in public expectations. Today’s audiences demand authenticity, equality, and respect for the women who represent their nations on a global stage. The walkout showed that empowerment must be practiced, not just promoted.
What’s Next for Miss Universe 2025
Despite the controversy, the Miss Universe 2025 competition will proceed as scheduled. Additional oversight has been introduced to ensure that all remaining events are conducted respectfully and transparently.
Contestants have reportedly resumed rehearsals and cultural programs, though the incident remains a major talking point online. Fans across the U.S. and worldwide continue to follow updates closely, with calls for continued accountability from pageant organizers.
Many pageant watchers believe this moment could permanently reshape how international competitions handle contestant relations and leadership conduct.
In closing: The scene in Thailand, where Miss Universe contestants walk out in protest, has become more than a viral moment—it’s a turning point for respect and integrity in global pageantry. Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.