The reigning Miss Universe has walked out of a major pre-pageant event after Miss Mexico was publicly reprimanded by a pageant boss for having “no respect”.

Victoria Theilvig – 2024’s Miss Universe winner – exited a sashing ceremony at the delegates’ hotel in Bangkok, Thailand – host of this year’s Miss Universe competition – after a confrontation between pageant leadership and Miss Mexico contestant Fátima Bosch.

Nawat Itsaragrisil, Vice President for Asia and Oceania of the Miss Universe Organisation, criticised Bosch for not attending a sponsor shoot earlier that day. 

During a livestream on the Miss Universe Thailand Facebook page, he told contestants they must promote everything they are asked to by his team, and claimed Miss Mexico “doesn’t do anything she doesn’t like”.

He instructed Bosch to stand and “explain herself” in front of cameras.

Bosch expressed discomfort about being called out in front of her peers and stated she was “using my voice” to stand up for herself – prompting Itsaragrisil to call her “a dummy”.

He then directed security to escort her from the room. 

As Bosch began to leave, dozens of contestants followed in apparent solidarity, ignoring his calls to “Stop, stop,” and, “Sit down”. 

@10newsau Dramatic scenes have unfolded at the Miss Universe sashing ceremony in Thailand after a pageant director publicly insulted Miss Mexico for having “no respect” and called her “dumb”. Vice President for Asia and Oceania of the Miss Universe Organisation Nawat Itsaragrisil openly scolded Fátima Bosch in front of the other contestants for not attending a sponsor shoot earlier that day. The confrontation was streamed live on the Miss Universe Thailand Facebook page, before contestants staged a mass walkout, including the 2024 Miss Universe winner, Victoria Theilvig, who left the building. In a statement, the Miss Universe Organisation said, “Together, we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of respect, safety, and integrity for all participants, staff, and stakeholders.” #10news #missuniverse #thailand ♬ original sound – 10 News

He warned they could face disqualification if they continued, but that did not deter them.

Theilvig, who was among the contestants who walked out, told media outside the event, “This is about women’s rights.”

“I’m so sorry, we need to do something bigger,” she said. 

“We have respect for everyone, but this is not how things can be handled. To trash another girl – it’s beyond disrespectful, and it’s nothing I’ve ever done. That’s why I’m taking my coat and I’m going.”

Miss Mexico later spoke to Thai media, praising the host country but condemning the treatment she received.

“I truly love this island, I respect all of you, you’re amazing people, but what your director did is not respectful. He called me dumb … I don’t try to mess with anyone, I just try to be kind and do my best, and he just [told me] to shut up,” she said.

Regarding the protest, she added, “I think the world needs to see this, because we are empowered women and no one can shut-out our voice … no one will do that to me.” 

She also urged women globally to stand up against men who “take away their dignity”.

In a later livestream, pageant boss Itsaragrisil said about 20 countries had declined to film sponsor content, despite him funding the event and expecting cooperation. 

He said some delegates had been “very difficult” in recent days, and that he wanted the public to understand his perspective.

He added he hopes tensions ease and said he would no longer force any contestant to film promotional material.

The Miss Universe Organisation later confirmed that all scheduled events and activities would proceed as planned, reinforcing its “shared goal of delivering an exceptional celebration that reflects the values of diversity, empowerment, and inclusion”.

It said it was “working closely with the host community” and had sent a high-level delegation to Thailand to “strengthen the collaboration with the host country”.

Footage of the walkout spread rapidly online, drawing widespread support. 

Fans, former contestants and viewers described the protest as “an act of integrity and courage”, with some calling it “the most empowering act in Miss Universe history”.

Many predicted the moment could boost Miss Mexico’s chances of winning the crown.

Theilvig later posted a photo of herself with Bosch on the Miss Universe stage.

“Standing up for yourself is not always easy, but it is one of the most important acts of self-respect and strength you can show,” she wrote.

“It’s about acknowledging that you have a right to be heard, to express your opinions, and to pursue your dreams, regardless of any obstacles that may come your way.

“Enough is enough, and our voices will be heard loud and clear!”

The Miss Universe Organisation – owned by Thailand-based JKN Global Group – has already been facing criticism over contestant treatment and transparency. 

Observers say the latest incident has intensified concerns about a “toxic culture of public shaming”.

The 74th Miss Universe Pageant is scheduled to air live on Thursday, November 20 at 8pm.

Images: TikTok