Several contestants at the Miss Universe event in Thailand walked out in solidarity after a tense confrontation between Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, and the event’s director, Nawat Itsaragrisil. During a pre-pageant ceremony, Nawat scolded Bosch publicly for not posting enough promotional content. When Bosch pushed back, he called security and hinted at disqualifying those who supported her.
The confrontation, which was streamed live, quickly went viral, drawing widespread attention. The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) condemned Nawat’s behavior, calling it “malicious.” In a surprising twist, he later apologized for his actions.
Contestants at the event, dressed in their formal sashes and gowns, were visibly supportive of Bosch, shouting back when Nawat reprimanded her. In the heated moment, he commanded those who wanted to continue to sit down, but many women chose to leave with Bosch instead. Afterward, she spoke to the press, describing Nawat as “not respectful” and claiming he called her “dumb.” Nawat claimed this was a misunderstanding, insisting that he intended to say she had caused “damage.”
The MUO didn’t take this lightly. They sent a team of executives to manage the competition and stated that Nawat’s role would be minimized or eliminated. MUO President Raul Rocha underscored that such behavior was unacceptable for a host and emphasized the organization’s commitment to empowering women.
Among those who walked out was Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, the reigning Miss Universe of Denmark. She expressed her disapproval, stating, “This is about women’s rights. To trash another girl is beyond disrespectful.” Bosch echoed this sentiment, declaring that she wanted to be a voice for women and girls facing struggles. “We’re in the 21st century,” she asserted, “I’m not a doll to be made up… I’m here to be a voice for causes that matter.”
The strong reactions to the incident reflect a growing awareness of women’s rights in beauty pageants. Social media was ablaze with support for Bosch, with many praising her courage to speak out.
According to a 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center, over 70% of young people believe it’s important for public figures to advocate for social issues. This incident seems to resonate with this trend, highlighting that beauty pageants can serve as platforms for advocacy rather than just competition.
Nawat’s apology, while a step forward, has been met with skepticism. Many are waiting to see if genuine changes will come from this incident. The Miss Universe Organization aims to transform negative experiences into empowerment, reminding everyone that such events should uplift voices rather than suppress them.
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