Miss Universe 2025 Sashing Ceremony Disrupted by Conflict Between Contestants and Thai Director

The exchange resulted in reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig leaving the room (File)

Manila:

The 74th Miss Universe pageant encountered a challenging start when a heated exchange erupted between contestants and the Miss Universe Thailand (MUT) national director, disrupting the scheduled ceremonial sashing of candidates on Tuesday, according to Philstar Global.

The pageant faced organizational confusion due to conflicting statements from the main Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) and the host country's representatives, Miss Universe Thailand (MUT), despite MUT's national director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, serving as MUO Executive Director.

MUO had not officially sanctioned a "Special Dinner & Talk Show" promoted by MUT; however, MUT defended the activity as part of its marketing campaign, which host countries are permitted to manage.

All contestants competing for Miss Universe 2025 had arrived in Thailand and were prepared to begin pre-pageant activities with the Sashing Ceremony on Tuesday, as reported by Philstar Global.

Before the ceremony commenced, Nawat addressed the assembled contestants to assert that MUT's promotional activities were legitimate while raising concerns about candidates not participating in promotional photoshoots and sponsors connected to online casinos, which are illegal in Thailand.

On this matter, Nawat invited contestants who disagreed with MUT's promotional concepts to raise their hands.

When no one responded, Nawat specifically addressed Mexico's representative Fatima Bosch, according to Philstar Global.

Nawat claimed his staff reported that Fatima had been instructed by her national director not to post anything about Thailand, prompting Fatima to provide her perspective.

After Fatima indicated she would comply with Nawat's instructions, Nawat alleged that Mexico's national director had been expelled from the country.

"It's not polite, it's not good... if you follow orders from your national director, you are dumb," Nawat stated, as quoted by Philstar Global.

Shortly thereafter, Fatima stood up again seeking clarification, which angered Nawat, who repeatedly mentioned he was still speaking on the microphone.

"I'm still talking to everybody. Why are you standing up to talk to me?" Nawat questioned, to which Fatima replied, "Because I have a voice..." but Nawat interrupted her, saying, "Yes, you have a voice, but you have to respect," as quoted by Philstar Global.

"But you are not respecting me as a woman," Fatima responded, prompting Nawat to call security to escort her out of the room, which elicited audible gasps and groans from other contestants.

From the back of the room, Fatima could be heard saying, "As a woman, we are respected and need to be respected. I'm here representing my country, it's not my fault you have problems with my organisation," as reported by Philstar Global.

The confrontation led to reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig leaving the room, expressing to pageant media outside her disappointment with how the situation was managed.

"We have respect for everyone but this is not how things should be handled, to trash another girl is beyond disrespectful," Victoria stated as she departed, according to Philstar Global.

Inside the room, several contestants chose to follow Victoria and exited, despite Nawat's demands for everyone to remain seated.

"Sit down. If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down. If you step out, the rest of the girls will continue," Nawat declared.

Fatima was among those who walked out, accompanied by Iraq's Hanin Al Qoreishy, as reported by Philstar Global.

The beauty queen expressed her appreciation, respect, and admiration for Thai people but criticized Nawat's comments, particularly about being "dumb."

"I think that the world needs to hear and see this, because we are all empowered women. This platform is meant for our voice, and one can shut our voice," Fatima stated, as quoted by Philstar Global.

Notably, the last time the Philippines won was in 2018, when Thailand previously hosted, with Ahtisa's Binibining Pilipinas batchmate Catriona Gray taking the crown.