A dispute at a Miss Universe ceremony quickly spiralled out of control yesterday after a senior official started yelling at a contestant, eventually sparking a mass walkout led by reigning champion Victoria Theilvig.
The tense moment, which had been captured on a livestream, showed Miss Universe executive director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly reprimanding Mexico's entrant Fátima Bosch in front of the camera, demanding she 'explain herself'.
He started hurling insults at her, before the other contestants decided enough was enough.
The dispute at a a pre-sash ceremony at a hotel in Bangkok, Thailand on Tuesday (4 November) reportedly sprang up over a request for contestants to post promotional stories about the competition on social media.
Advert
Things only got worse, with Itsaragrisil trying to silence Bosch as she responded, demanding: "I'm still talking, listen!"
Bosch, 26, shot back: "I have a voice. You're not respecting me as a woman."
Itsaragrisil then called for security to remove Bosch, which was accompanied by gasps throughout the room.
He then shocked attendees even more by calling Bosch 'dumb', which is when 2024 Miss Universe winner Theilvig decided to take a stand.
She said: "We have respect for everyone, but this is not how things can be handled," before asking her fellowing contestants to stand and leave with her.
Clips of moment have since gone viral online, showing Itsaragrisil shouting 'stop' as dozens of contestants get up and leave the room.
He even threatens to disqualify the contestants leaving the room from the finale on 21 November, however this does not deter the women from leaving.
Watch the moment here:
Beauty queen Theilvig then addressed the situation to the media, explaining that she found Itsaragrisil's behaviour 'disrespectful'.
"This is about women's rights," she said. "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."
Bosch has also addressed local media over the comments, saying that Itsaragrisil's comments were not appropriate.
"I love Thailand. I respect your people and your culture deeply," she said. "But what your director just did was not respectful.
"He called me dumb because he has issues with the organisation. That’s not fair. I’m here doing my best, being kind to everyone. He just attacked me and told me to shut up. The world needs to see this, because we are empowered women, and no one should silence our voices."
Theilvig has also addressed the incident in a series of stories on Instagram, praising her fellow Miss Universe delegates for showing solidarity with Bosch.
"Forever proud of my @fatimaboschfdz," she wrote in a follow-up post.
"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!"
Miss Universe president Raúl Rocha Cantú has also spoken out about the incident, condemning Itsaragrisil.
He said: “I will not allow the values of respect and dignity of women to be violated.
"Unfortunately Nawat has forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host."
Topics: Entertainment, World News, Viral
Brenna Cooper