missuniverse

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

Just days after handing back the Miss Universe Bahamas crown, Melissa Ingraham thanked former queen Chantel O’Brian for supporting her, after both women alleged poor management and a lack of assistance from the organization.

“Thankful for this beauty for speaking up about her past experience as well. Chantel O’Brian I appreciate your support and for standing with me,” Ingraham said.

The big picture

Ingraham resigned suddenly on Friday, announcing the end of her reign on social media. She cited a lack of support based on the contract signed regarding training, wardrobe, and event management.

“I found myself primarily responsible for coordinating most of my public appearances (including identifying activities, transport to and from, wardrobe, hair, and make-up) and managing both my and the Miss Bahamas Universe social media pages.”

She alluded to the 72nd Miss Universe Pageant, held in El Salvador, when she was not given sufficient time to prepare for the full national costume which she said “happened minutes prior to me appearing live on television, which was far from ideal given there was no time to practice walking in full costume.”

Why it matters

Other pageant queens have complained about the lack of assistance from the organization throughout the years.

2021 contestant Chantel O’Brian who made Top Ten and won the Spirit of Carnival Award, resigned nine months in, accusing the organization of treating her like “an afterthought.”

What Chantel O’Brian says

O’Brian calls for an investigation into the ethics and financial management of the organization, in support of Ingraham.

O’Brian said she resonated with Ingraham’s struggles, insisting pageant queens must “stick together.”

State of play

The organization has not yet responded to the fallout, only stating that it has appointed 1^st runner-up Taja Hudson to the post.

Miss Bahamas Universe  Chantel O’Brian harshly criticized organizers of the pageant, citing poor treatment as the reigning queen.

In a social media post, the beauty queen said the organization “treats me like an afterthought,” during “my entire reign.”

O’Brian made history last year when she became the first Bahamian beauty contestant to place top ten in the Miss Universe Pageant.

O’Brian said sometimes she feels “sad” and “discouraged” because of the lack of support from the organization.

“If not for my mom, loved ones, team, so many Bahamians, public support, and my own drive, I really don’t know.”

The organization has changed ownership many times throughout the years but the criticisms of how it treats winners of the pageant, remain constant complaint.

The organization will hold its Miss Bahamas Grand Finale on July 31, where one of nine contestants will be declared the ‘Miss Bahamas Universe.’

O’Brian hopes “our new queen” is treated differently.

“Praying that things change…” she said.

Social media users said they were not surprised at O’Brian’s claims.

“But this is something we knew from previous stories and first-hand experiences of prior queens,” Taisha-Monst Smellie said.

Rissie Demeritte said, “This is so sad and not the first time we have heard this about this organization.”

Darius Lewis stated, “I believe Tomacina Culmer (Miss Bahamas 2015) had the same complaint. Shame on the organization if this is true.”

And Jayda Kinz said, “The cry of every queen after their reign. This is so disheartening and sad that they treat yall like this. It leaves to question, ‘what the hell is the point?’”