Turmoil in Tiaras at Miss Universe Pageant in Thailand
Controversy and drama mar the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand, with allegations of insults, walkouts, and tearful tantrums.
BANGKOK: This year’s Miss Universe pageant held in Thailand has been marred by ugly drama, including allegations of an insult to a beauty queen's intellect, a walkout by contestants, and a tearful tantrum by the host.
Over 120 women from around the world have gathered in Thailand, competing for the title in a contest considered one of the 'big four' global beauty pageants.
The run-up to the event has been dominated by off-stage antics involving coiffed contestants and their Thai hosts, escalating into a feminist firestorm that drew the attention of Mexico’s president.
On Tuesday, Mexican delegate Fatima Bosch staged a dramatic walkout in an evening gown and high heels from a meeting where she was reportedly called a 'dumbhead' by Miss Universe host Nawat Itsaragrisil.
Nawat has since denied using this term.
Following the dispute, Nawat called for security intervention, leading to further drama as Bosch walked out flanked by Miss Iraq, who wore a bejewelled floor-length robe.
Bosch accused Nawat of disrespect and emphasized that she and other contestants are empowered women who need a platform to voice their concerns.
The incident prompted Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to acknowledge Bosch’s actions, highlighting the importance of women speaking out against aggression.
In response to the controversy, the Miss Universe Organization has publicly shamed Nawat, emphasizing the values of respect and dignity towards women.
Nawat apologized for his behavior during the opening ceremony of the competition on Wednesday night, acknowledging that he did not intend to harm anyone and expressing regret for his actions.
This year's pageant has been plagued with controversy even before the altercation between Miss Mexico and Nawat.
Thai media reported that police investigated participants for allegedly filming clips featuring pillows branded with the name of an online casino at their hotel, a breach of the country’s strict gambling laws.
Despite this ongoing drama, the final of the Miss Universe pageant is set to take place on November 21 in Nonthaburi province.
Over 120 women from around the world have gathered in Thailand, competing for the title in a contest considered one of the 'big four' global beauty pageants.
The run-up to the event has been dominated by off-stage antics involving coiffed contestants and their Thai hosts, escalating into a feminist firestorm that drew the attention of Mexico’s president.
On Tuesday, Mexican delegate Fatima Bosch staged a dramatic walkout in an evening gown and high heels from a meeting where she was reportedly called a 'dumbhead' by Miss Universe host Nawat Itsaragrisil.
Nawat has since denied using this term.
Following the dispute, Nawat called for security intervention, leading to further drama as Bosch walked out flanked by Miss Iraq, who wore a bejewelled floor-length robe.
Bosch accused Nawat of disrespect and emphasized that she and other contestants are empowered women who need a platform to voice their concerns.
The incident prompted Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to acknowledge Bosch’s actions, highlighting the importance of women speaking out against aggression.
In response to the controversy, the Miss Universe Organization has publicly shamed Nawat, emphasizing the values of respect and dignity towards women.
Nawat apologized for his behavior during the opening ceremony of the competition on Wednesday night, acknowledging that he did not intend to harm anyone and expressing regret for his actions.
This year's pageant has been plagued with controversy even before the altercation between Miss Mexico and Nawat.
Thai media reported that police investigated participants for allegedly filming clips featuring pillows branded with the name of an online casino at their hotel, a breach of the country’s strict gambling laws.
Despite this ongoing drama, the final of the Miss Universe pageant is set to take place on November 21 in Nonthaburi province.
