What’s happening to Miss Universe 2025? Here’s how the drama unfolded

The 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand is making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

What began as a festive start to the competition quickly turned chaotic after a heated confrontation between Miss Universe Thailand national director Nawat Itsaragrisil and Mexico’s delegate Fatima Bosch, leading to walkouts, cancellations and a strong reaction from the Miss Universe Organization (MUO).

A rocky start in Bangkok

The tension started on November 4 during what was meant to be the Sashing Ceremony, the official kickoff of the pre-pageant activities. Before it began, Nawat addressed the gathered candidates to defend Miss Universe Thailand’s promotional campaigns, which MUO had earlier described as “unauthorized.”

What started as an explanation turned into an argument. Nawat singled out Mexico’s Fatima Bosch, accusing her of not following promotional guidelines. When Bosch tried to clarify her side, Nawat allegedly called her “dumb” for obeying her national director’s instructions, a remark that stunned the contestants.

Bosch later stood up to respond but was interrupted and eventually escorted out by security at Nawat’s request, sparking disapproval among the delegates.

Walkout and fallout

Reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark protested the incident, calling it “beyond disrespectful” before walking out. Other contestants from Iraq, Palestine, Costa Rica, Panama and Puerto Rico followed her lead.

Bosch, according to a Philstar.com report, later told the media she admired Thailand and its people but said the situation went against the pageant’s message of empowering women. “If it takes away your dignity, you need to go,” she said.

Victoria shared a similar message on Instagram, posting a photo with fellow contestants who walked out, captioned “This is women empowerment. This is sisterhood. Forever and always.”

Miss Universe Organization steps in

MUO President Raul Rocha released a statement hours later, condemning Nawat’s actions as “public aggression” and “serious abuse.” Rocha said hosting the pageant should mean serving and supporting delegates with respect and kindness.

He confirmed that Nawat’s access to Miss Universe 2025 events would be restricted or possibly revoked. (MUO statement)

Sponsors pull out, event canceled

On November 6, Miss Universe Thailand announced the cancellation of a “Top 10 Special Dinner & Talk Show” featuring Nawat and Victoria after sponsors raised concerns over recent developments.

The main organization reiterated that the event was not officially approved and warned against the use of the Miss Universe brand for unsanctioned activities. (MU Thailand statement on the cancellation)

Nawat issues apology and clarification

During the candidates’ welcoming ceremony on November 5, Nawat took the stage to address the controversy. According to reports from Philstar.com and ABS-CBN News, he apologized to the delegates, saying he had been under “a lot of pressure” while preparing the event.

“I did not intend to harm anyone because I respect all of you,” he said. “I am a human. Sometimes, I cannot control… If anyone isn’t comfortable with what has happened, I am so sorry.”

Nawat also spoke to the media to clarify that he did not call Bosch “dumb,” as many online believed, but rather used the word “damaged.”

“I didn’t say ‘dumb head’ even one second. I said ‘damaged,’” he explained, urging people to review the video. He said he was referring to delegates who followed their national organizations instead of local promotional efforts, saying such actions were “damaging” to their image.

What’s next?

Despite the controversy, MUO said the 74th Miss Universe pageant will continue as planned, with the coronation night set for November 21 in Bangkok.

As the dust settles, many are now questioning what the incident means for the image of Miss Universe and its Thai hosts, and whether the organization can restore the prestige of one of the world’s most-watched beauty competitions.