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 and others joined 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' behaviour, for which he has since apologised.
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 support, Mr. Itsaragrisil says: '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 appear standing, with several heading towards the door. After leaving the event, Ms. Bosch told the press the 60-year-old executive was 'not respectful' and said he had called her 'dumb'. Mr. Itsaragrisil has disputed this, claiming his words had been misunderstood, asserting he was merely indicating Ms. Bosch had caused 'damage'.
His conduct prompted a stern rebuke from the MUO, which has sent a delegation of international executives to take over running the competition. MUO President Raul Rocha stated that Mr. Itsaragrisil had 'humiliated, insulted and shown a lack of respect' toward Ms. Bosch and committed serious abuse by intimidating her with security.
Among those to walk out on Tuesday was reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark, who remarked, 'This is about women's rights.' Ms. Bosch later emphasized her commitment to being a voice for women’s causes and the importance of respect.
The Miss Universe competition will continue despite this controversy, with contestants participating in a welcome event in Bangkok, and the winner crowned on November 21.}
Video of the incident, which was live streamed, has been shared online. The Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) has condemned Mr. Itsaragrisil's 'malicious' behaviour, for which he has since apologised.
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 support, Mr. Itsaragrisil says: '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 appear standing, with several heading towards the door. After leaving the event, Ms. Bosch told the press the 60-year-old executive was 'not respectful' and said he had called her 'dumb'. Mr. Itsaragrisil has disputed this, claiming his words had been misunderstood, asserting he was merely indicating Ms. Bosch had caused 'damage'.
His conduct prompted a stern rebuke from the MUO, which has sent a delegation of international executives to take over running the competition. MUO President Raul Rocha stated that Mr. Itsaragrisil had 'humiliated, insulted and shown a lack of respect' toward Ms. Bosch and committed serious abuse by intimidating her with security.
Among those to walk out on Tuesday was reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark, who remarked, 'This is about women's rights.' Ms. Bosch later emphasized her commitment to being a voice for women’s causes and the importance of respect.
The Miss Universe competition will continue despite this controversy, with contestants participating in a welcome event in Bangkok, and the winner crowned on November 21.}
