Several contestants stormed out of a Miss Universe event after a heated exchange between a Thai official and Miss Mexico.
Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil chastised Fatima Bosch in front of dozens of participants during a pre-pageant ceremony for not posting a promotional video.
When she objected, Mr. Nawat contacted security and threatened to disqualify those who supported her. Ms. Bosch then exited the room, and others joined her in sympathy.
Video of the event, which was live streamed, has been shared online. The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has denounced Mr. Nawat’s “malicious” behavior, for which he has now apologized.
Miss Universe candidates, who have won national pageants in their home countries, wore sashes and dresses to the ceremony on Tuesday night.
Some people can be heard shouting at Mr. Nawat in the video after he raises his voice to chastise Ms. Bosch and repeatedly orders her to stop talking.
As many of them stand in support, Mr. Nawat replies, “If anyone wishes to continue the contest, please sit down. “If you leave, the other girls will continue.”
Despite this, the majority of the women in the footage are seen standing, with several going towards the door.
After exiting the event on Tuesday, Ms. Bosch told reporters that the 60-year-old CEO was “not respectful” and had called her “dumb.”
Mr. Nawat has contested this, stating that his statements were misconstrued.
He is generally alleged to have labeled the 25-year-old a “dumbhead.” However, at a news conference, he later claimed he was stating she had caused “damage.”
His actions drew a sharp censure from the MUO, which dispatched a delegation of foreign executives to take over the competition.
In a video message, MUO President Raul Rocha stated that Mr. Nawat had “forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host.”
He claimed that the Thai official had “humiliated, insulted, and demonstrated a lack of respect” for Ms. Bosch, as well as committed the “serious abuse of calling security to intimidate a defenseless woman.”
Mr. Nawat’s involvement in the contest would be curtailed “as much as possible” or eliminated totally, he added, adding that the MUO will take “legal actions” against him.
“I wish to reiterate that Miss Universe is an empowerment platform for women so that their voices can be heard in the world,” Mr. Rocha said.
The reigning Miss Universe, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark, was among those who walked out on Tuesday.
“This is about women’s rights,” she said as she left the event. “This is not how things should be handled. To trash another girl is beyond disrespectful… That’s why I’m taking my coat, and I’m walking out.”
Ms. Bosch later said in an interview, “I just want to let my country know, I’m not afraid to make my voice heard. It’s here stronger than ever. I have a purpose. I have things to say.
“We’re in the 21st century. I’m not a doll to be made up, styled, and have my clothes changed,” she added.
“I came here to be a voice for all the women and all the girls who fight for causes and to tell my country that I’m completely committed to that.”
The video of Mr. Nawat has enraged pageant fans, with many harshly criticizing his behavior and admiring Ms. Bosch’s response.
In a social media video statement, Mr. Nawat said, “If anyone feels unpleasant, uncomfortable, or affected, I apologize to everyone. I apologize specifically to the approximately 75 females who were present.
Despite the uproar, the Miss Universe competition continued on Wednesday, with competitors attending a welcoming reception in Bangkok.
The winner will be crowned as the next Miss Universe on November 21.
