Miss Universe Contestants Stage Walk-out in Bangkok Amid Sponsorship Dispute
The 74th Miss Universe competition continues after delegates protest alleged harassment and organisational miscommunication
A significant disruption at the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok saw several delegates, including Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch and Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Thelvåg, walk out of a sashing ceremony amid a dispute with Nawat Itsaragrisil, chairman of the host committee and chief executive of Miss Grand International.
The walk-out occurred on November 4 when Bosch was publicly reprimanded for declining a sponsor shoot earlier that day.
Video footage shared online shows Mr Itsaragrisil asking Bosch to “explain herself” before calling her “dumb,” leading to her immediate exit from the ceremony and prompting other contestants to follow.
Bosch later posted that she believed “the world needs to hear and see this” because “we are all empowered women” who must “not sacrifice dignity.” The Miss Universe Mexico organisation described the incident as “unacceptable” and said no woman “deserves to be insulted or humiliated.”
In response, the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) issued a statement reaffirming that all scheduled events would go ahead “in full cooperation with the host country and MGI,” and emphasised its commitment to “diversity, empowerment, and inclusion.” The body also announced that its CEO, Mario Búcaro, would lead a delegation to Bangkok to coordinate closely with organisers and authorities.
The MUO highlighted its focus on delivering a global celebration aligned with the brand’s values.
Mr Itsaragrisil addressed the live-streamed remarks late Tuesday, attributing the dispute to confusion over the judging format.
He said only four rounds—interview, national costume, evening gown and swimsuit—were to be judged, and that nominee compliance with related promotional commitments was mandatory.
He disclosed that four MUO staff, including the Mexico national director, had been dismissed on November 3 amid alleged lack of cooperation.
He asserted that contestants now had full discretion over promotional activities under a freshly adopted “as you wish” policy aimed at preserving the host country’s reputation and ensuring competition continuity.
Although the walk-out drew global attention, no contestants have officially withdrawn and all have joined the scheduled dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River.
The final coronation for the pageant, hosted in Thailand across Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya from November 2 to 21, remains set for November 21 at Impact Muang Thong Thani.
The incident adds to past reputational strains faced by the pageant’s leadership and highlights challenges for franchise partners in upholding contestant welfare and organisational transparency on the global stage.
The walk-out occurred on November 4 when Bosch was publicly reprimanded for declining a sponsor shoot earlier that day.
Video footage shared online shows Mr Itsaragrisil asking Bosch to “explain herself” before calling her “dumb,” leading to her immediate exit from the ceremony and prompting other contestants to follow.
Bosch later posted that she believed “the world needs to hear and see this” because “we are all empowered women” who must “not sacrifice dignity.” The Miss Universe Mexico organisation described the incident as “unacceptable” and said no woman “deserves to be insulted or humiliated.”
In response, the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) issued a statement reaffirming that all scheduled events would go ahead “in full cooperation with the host country and MGI,” and emphasised its commitment to “diversity, empowerment, and inclusion.” The body also announced that its CEO, Mario Búcaro, would lead a delegation to Bangkok to coordinate closely with organisers and authorities.
The MUO highlighted its focus on delivering a global celebration aligned with the brand’s values.
Mr Itsaragrisil addressed the live-streamed remarks late Tuesday, attributing the dispute to confusion over the judging format.
He said only four rounds—interview, national costume, evening gown and swimsuit—were to be judged, and that nominee compliance with related promotional commitments was mandatory.
He disclosed that four MUO staff, including the Mexico national director, had been dismissed on November 3 amid alleged lack of cooperation.
He asserted that contestants now had full discretion over promotional activities under a freshly adopted “as you wish” policy aimed at preserving the host country’s reputation and ensuring competition continuity.
Although the walk-out drew global attention, no contestants have officially withdrawn and all have joined the scheduled dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River.
The final coronation for the pageant, hosted in Thailand across Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya from November 2 to 21, remains set for November 21 at Impact Muang Thong Thani.
The incident adds to past reputational strains faced by the pageant’s leadership and highlights challenges for franchise partners in upholding contestant welfare and organisational transparency on the global stage.
