Miss Universe Bahamas walks out in solidarity after host official publicly berates Miss Mexico
Miss Universe Bahamas Malique Bowe was among several contestants who walked out of a Miss Universe event in Thailand after a heated confrontation in which a host official publicly scolded Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch.
The tense exchange unfolded at a pre-pageant ceremony when Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil reprimanded Bosch in front of dozens of contestants for not posting promotional content.
When Bosch tried to defend herself, Nawat called security and threatened to disqualify anyone who supported her. The confrontation, which was live-streamed online, quickly spread across social media.
Video footage shows contestants and standing up and shouting back as Nawat raised his voice at Bosch, repeatedly telling her to “stop talking.” Some women, including Bowe, walked out of the event in solidarity as he warned,“If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down. If you step out, the rest of the girls continue.”
Despite his warning, many contestants remained standing or left the room in protest.
Afterward, Bosch told reporters the 60-year-old official had been “not respectful” and even called her “dumb.” Nawat later disputed that, saying his words had been misunderstood and that he had used the word “damaging.”
The Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) condemned his conduct, calling it “malicious” and saying Nawat had “forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host.”
MUO President Raul Rocha said Nawat had “humiliated, insulted and shown a lack of respect” to Bosch, and committed the “serious abuse of calling security to intimidate a defenceless woman.”
Following the incident, MUO confirmed that a team of international executives has been sent to take over management of the competition.
The walkout has drawn widespread attention online, with fans praising contestants—including Bahamas’ own Malique Bowefor standing together in a show of unity.
Featured image: People’s Magazine
