The 74th Miss Universe competition in Thailand was overshadowed by a sharp clash when Thai pageant director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly berated Mexican contestant Fátima Bosch during a live-streamed pre-pageant event and called her a “dummy”.

The confrontation prompted more than a dozen contestants to stage a walkout in solidarity with Bosch.

The dispute unfolded at a sashing ceremony in Bangkok on 3 November.

Itsaragrisil accused Bosch of failing to promote Thailand at a sponsor shoot and suggested she had followed instructions from her national director rather than the Thai organisers.

When Bosch objected, saying “You are not respecting me as a woman”, security was summoned and she was escorted out of the room.

Other contestants, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig, then rose from their seats and left in protest.

In the wake of the incident the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) issued a statement condemning the treatment of Bosch and pledged to ensure a “safe, inspiring and memorable experience for every delegate”.

Itsaragrisil subsequently issued a public apology, describing the episode as a misunderstanding and expressing regret to the seventy-five delegates present.

Bosch responded by reaffirming her commitment to being a voice for women and girls.

“I’m not a doll to be made up, styled and have my clothes changed,” she said, prompting widespread support from fellow contestants and the Mexican government, whose president backed her stance on women’s rights.

The final of the pageant is scheduled for 21 November in Pak Kret, Thailand.

With the controversy swirling, organizers face renewed scrutiny over respect, equality and governance in the global beauty-pageant industry.