All the contestants had gathered on Tuesday for a pre-show for Miss Universe in the Thai capital, Bangkok. Then things quickly went off the rails.
Nawat Itsaragrisil, the director of Miss Universe Thailand, suddenly singled out the Mexican representative and called her a “stupid head” for allegedly having a substandard social media presence. An exchange of words ensued that ended with Nawat calling for security guards – causing several of the women to stand up in protest in their long evening gowns.
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the women are seen starting to leave the room, but then Nawat's angry voice is heard again:Stop! Sit down! Whoever wants to continue the competition sits down.
After the event, Mexico's participant, Fátima Bosch, stated that she felt disrespected.
The world should see this, because we are empowered women and this is a platform for our voices.
Bosch is supported by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who says the 25-year-old is an "example of how we women should speak out" in the face of aggression.
Nawat Itsaragrisil has been criticized from many quarters after the incident. That same evening, he cried loudly at a press conference and said he had been “betrayed.” But during the official opening ceremony of the competition, an apology was issued.
"I'm a human being. There's a lot of pressure," he said.
More than 120 women from countries around the world have gathered in Thailand in the hope of being crowned this year's Miss Universe.
