A tense moment at a Miss Universe Thailand event has ignited global backlash, after a viral livestream showed pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly reprimanding Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, during a sash ceremony. The clip, streamed on the Miss Universe Thailand Facebook page, quickly spread across social media and prompted a rare, highly visible walkout from fellow delegates in solidarity.
In the footage, Nawat calls out Bosch for allegedly missing a sponsor photoshoot earlier in the day, asks her to stand and explain herself, describes her as "dumb," and references calling "security." The exchange immediately shifted the room’s tone, as contestants began rising from their seats and leaving.
Within minutes, the incident had been reframed by viewers as an empowering show of unity from the field. Across X, Instagram, and TikTok, fans dubbed the walkout "the most empowering act in Miss Universe history," while clips of the confrontation amassed millions of views.
What Happened In The Viral Clip
The confrontation unfolded on stage during a formal sash ceremony tied to Miss Universe Thailand programming. As the livestream continued, Nawat addressed Bosch directly over her absence from a sponsor shoot, instructing her to stand and speak to the room. When Bosch attempted to respond, he pressed for an explanation, used disparaging language, and referenced bringing in security.
The room’s tension was palpable. As the exchange escalated, delegates began exiting in support of Bosch and in protest of how the situation was being handled in a live, public setting. The sustained walkout would become the defining image from the broadcast.
The Backlash & MUO Statement
Delegates from around the world joined the protest, including representatives from Armenia, Canada, Palestine, the Bahamas, Cape Verde, Spain, Belize, Bolivia, and Bulgaria. Titleholders and fan favorites amplified the moment online, while Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig was among those seen standing with the walkout.
Response was swift from Miss Universe Organization leadership. MUO President Raúl Rocha Cantú issued a statement condemning the behavior seen in the clip and voicing support for the delegates.
"I want to express my solidarity and unconditional support to all the delegates representing the 122 countries of the Miss Universe competition, in which Thailand is our host country," Rocha said. "I will not allow the values of respect and dignity towards women be violated. Unfortunately, Nawat has forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host."
The Miss Universe Mexico Organization also weighed in shortly after the broadcast with a message that emphasized unity and respect: "From Mexico to the world, let’s remember: respect is not optional. Empowerment isn’t a trend. It’s our right. To all the fans, creators, and everyone who has joined us: Thank you for showing that solidarity is louder than hate."
Online, viewers and former contestants framed the walkout as a watershed moment within pageantry, highlighting how competitors rallied behind a delegate in a high-pressure environment where public image and sponsor obligations are tightly managed.
Nawat’s Response & Ongoing Fallout
Following the outcry, Nawat went live on his social media accounts to address the controversy. His remarks, however, drew mixed reactions from fans who felt the apology fell short.
"If someone doesn’t feel well, if someone feels uncomfortable, if anyone was affected, I apologize to everyone," he said. "I already spoke and apologized to the rest of the girls in the room, about seventy-five girls."
Nawat also suggested that there may have been confusion surrounding the photoshoot instructions and scheduling. "I know many conditions happen. If you can remember you will check every situation from announcements, from anything," he said. "All of the delegates, they’re not at fault. But maybe they’re confused when they read the announcement from MU."
A well-known figure in Thai media and pageantry, Nawat, 60, is a TV host, producer, and businessman best known as the president of Miss Grand International. Over the years, he has faced criticism for remarks about contestants’ appearances. In 2016, Miss Iceland 2015 Arna Ýr Jónsdóttir said she was told she was "too fat" ahead of finals. In 2022, comments about a contestant from Vietnam on a livestream drew scrutiny, and in 2024, he faced fresh accusations of body-shaming pageant winner Rachel Gupta. While the specifics and contexts of each incident differ, the pattern added fuel to the latest backlash following the Thailand livestream.
As of publication, Nawat remains in his leadership role in pageantry. Fans, former titleholders, and national organizations are calling for accountability measures to ensure contestants are treated with respect, particularly during on-camera events. The broader conversation has also shifted toward the conduct expected of pageant officials in live settings and the importance of safeguarding the well-being of delegates who often operate under intense public scrutiny.
In the wake of the incident, the message from contestants and supporters has been consistent: respect and dignity must be foundational, not optional. Whether additional action follows, the viral walkout has already left a mark — reshaping how fans, organizers, and sponsors talk about power dynamics on the pageant stage, and spotlighting the collective strength of the women at the center of it.
