The boss of the annual beauty pageant blasted Miss Mexico in public just for missing a promo shoot – allegedly calling her ‘dumb’ – which led to a mass walkout from the contestants
The usual glitz and glamour of this year’s Miss Universe competition turned to chaos when the current winner sensationally stormed out of the event.
Victoria Theilvig, who was crowned Miss Universe last year, upped and left – along with several other contestants – after the pageant’s top boss publicly scolded Miss Mexico for showing “no respect”. The explosive moment unfolded at the sashing ceremony inside the Miss Universe delegates’ hotel in Bangkok, Thailand where the women were being introduced live on social media.
Footage broadcast on the official Miss Universe Thailand Facebook page shows Nawat Itsaragrisil, the Vice President for Asia and Oceania, confronting Melissa Flores Bosch over her absence from a sponsor shoot earlier that day.
In front of dozens of contestants – and thousands of viewers – Nawat reportedly ordered Bosch to “stand and explain herself”.
When the visibly shaken Miss Mexico replied that she did not want to be “publicly reprimanded”, the furious organiser snatched the microphone and allegedly called her “dumb”.
As Bosch attempted to defend herself, insisting she was “using my voice”, Nawat instructed security to escort her out of the room.
The dramatic exchange caused pandemonium among the beauty queens, with several rising to their feet in protest.
Nawat can be heard shouting “Stop, stop!” and then demanding, “Sit down!” as utter chaos broke out.
But Theilvig, Miss Denmark, wasn’t having it. In footage that has since gone viral, she’s seen marching out, declaring she would not remain in the venue.
“This is about women’s rights,” she said defiantly. “I’m so sorry, we need to do something bigger.
“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.”
The clip spread like wildfire online, with social media users hailing Theilvig’s stance as “brave” and “inspirational”.
Fans and former contestants flooded her page with praise, calling it “the most empowering act in Miss Universe history.”
But not everyone agreed. Some accused the Danish beauty of overstepping protocol and disrupting an official event, while Thai fans jumped to Nawat’s defence, claiming his remarks were “mistranslated or taken out of context.”
In a statement released soon after the drama, the Miss Universe Organisation tried to calm the storm, saying: “All scheduled events and activities will continue as planned, reaffirming our shared goal of delivering an exceptional celebration that reflects the values of diversity, empowerment, and inclusion that define the Miss Universe legacy.”
Hours later, Theilvig posted a picture of herself and Bosch together on stage, along with a powerful message of solidarity.
“Forever proud of my @fatimaboschfdz,” she wrote. “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.
“It means knowing your worth, setting boundaries, and not allowing anyone or anything to undermine your voice or your value.
“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 beauty world is still buzzing from the pageant palace meltdown, with many calling it a “watershed moment” for how contestants are treated behind the sparkle and sashes. Miss Universe Mexico also condemned what happened in the hours following the shocking incident.
A statement read: “What happened today with @fatimaboschfdz in Thailand is unacceptable. No woman, on any stage, deserves to be insulted or humiliated.
“We firmly believe in the values that Miss Universe promotes: respect, dignity, and empowerment… The behaviour of a person who does not belong to MU does not represent our beloved organisation.
“Today and always, Mexico stands with you, Fátima. Your strength, your class, and your voice represent the best of our nation.”
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