Tension at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant escalates as several candidates walk out of the event

The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has vowed to uphold transparency, respect, and unity to ensure the success of the 74th Miss Universe beauty pageant in Thailand.

This came following videos uploaded on pageant sites around the world, in which some of the girls walked out during the official sashing ceremony of the pageant held on Tuesday.

Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch (Images courtesy of Facebook)

It was reported that Nawat Itsaragrisil, the National Director of Miss Universe Thailand and Executive Director of MUO, clashed with Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch during a live Facebook broadcast.

Nawat reportedly questioned Miss Mexico about her absence from a sponsor’s photo shoot. The contestant felt uncomfortable and chose to leave the room. Later reports said that the Mexican beauty queen felt disrespected when Nawat allegedly called her “dumb” during the orientation.

Some of the girls showed solidarity with Mexico. Then it was announced that the sashing ceremony would resume late in the afternoon, minus Nawat. Reigning Miss Universe Viktoria Kjaer Theilvig will attend the sashing ceremony.

Pageant fans expressed concern over the pageant drama unfolding on social media. They said that this is the first time controversies have hounded the prestigious pageant.

A few days ago, the MUO issued statements explaining that the special dinner and talk show organized by Nawat for the contestants were not authorized.

Nawat Itsaragrisil

Despite the MUO statement, it appears that the special dinner and talk show will continue, as Nawat updates pageant fans on the leading candidates in the Top 10.

In a fresh statement on Nov. 4, the MUO reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the host community, the Miss Grand International Organization (MGI), and all local partners to ensure the continued success of the 74th Miss Universe competition.

“A high-level delegation, led by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mario Bucaro, is traveling to Thailand to strengthen collaboration with the host country, MGI, and relevant authorities,” the statement read.

The grand coronation of the 74th Miss Universe will be broadcast live from Thailand on Nov. 21. More than 120 candidates are competing for the crown. — Robert Requintina