Why did the Miss Universe 2025 contestants walk out of the event?

Fátima Bosch (via Hindustan Times)

Several contestants walked out of a pre-event ceremony at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Thailand, leaving many in the global pageant community rattled. The protest occurred days after a public spat between Nawat Itsaragrisil, the Miss Universe vice-president for Asia and Oceania, and Fátima Bosch, the contestant representing Mexico. The incident unfolded during a live-streamed "sashing ceremony" that quickly went viral, sparking an outpouring of criticism and raising debate about respect and professionalism in international beauty competitions.

What Caused the Walkout?

Nawat Itsaragrisil (via Soy Carmin)

Tensions escalated when Itsaragrisil allegedly berated Miss Mexico in front of other contestants for failing to appear at a sponsor shoot. Witnesses and video clips shared online show him repeatedly questioning her whereabouts before referring to her as “dumb” and “disrespectful.” Bosch, visibly upset, responded:

"I have a voice. You are not respecting me as a woman."

Moments later, she walked out — and several contestants, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig, followed her in solidarity. To many, the walkout was a collective stand for women's dignity and self-respect, loudly echoing some of the core themes of the pageant: those of empowerment and equality. People

Reactions From the Miss Universe Organization

Afterward, the Miss Universe Organization issued a statement, saying that it is “committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants.” It also verified that the executive would not be as involved in future events. Event officials said CEO Mario Búcaro would head to Thailand to oversee proceedings and check on contestants' well-being.

Afterwards, Miss Mexico posted a message on social media to thank fellow contestants for the support and to reiterate that what she did was "about mutual respect - not rebellion." Fans took to social media platforms to praise the women for standing against what they perceived as public humiliation.

Why This Moment Matters for Miss Universe 2025?

The Miss Universe 2025 controversy has brought to the fore an evolving reality: beauty pageants are no longer about looks or performance alone but also about voice, representation, and values. Contestants today want to be treated as equals, not as some accessory of the event. It is a rare instance of collective action in an industry so tightly choreographed and sends out a strong message that self-respect comes over and above stage glamour. Whether the pageant will regain its reputation in the following weeks remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the world was watching, and this time the contestants refused to stay silent.

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