Turmoil in tiaras at Miss Universe pageant in Thailand

Contents of the article

BANGKOK – This year's Miss Universe pageant in Thailand was marred by ugly drama involving accusations of insulting the beauty queen's intelligence, a contestant walkout and a tearful tantrum from the host.

Contents of the article

More than 120 women from around the world gathered in Thailand to compete for the title of Miss Universe in a pageant considered one of the world's “big four” beauty pageants.

Contents of the article

Recommended Videos

Contents of the article

But the run-up to the pageant was dominated by the backstage antics of the hairstyled contestants and their Thai hosts, which escalated into a feminist firestorm that caught the attention of Mexico's president.

On Tuesday, Mexican delegate Fatima Bosch staged a dramatic strike – in an evening dress and high heels – from a meeting where she was criticized by the host of “Miss Universe” Navat Itzaragrisil.

Contents of the article

Contents of the article

In a livestream of the event, Nawat appeared to single out Miss Mexico and call her “stupid” during an argument over her apparent failure to post promotional content on her social media.

He has since denied using the term.

But after Nawat called for security to intervene, an aggrieved Bosch staged a walkout, accompanied by Miss Iraq, who wore a floor-length bejeweled dress.

“What your director did was disrespectful: he called me stupid,” Bosch said at a news conference. “The world needs to see this because we are empowered women and this is a platform for our voice.”

Other beauty queens appeared to express solidarity with Bosch, but then froze when Nawat warned that those still wanting to participate should “sit down.”

The drama prompted a response from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who said Wednesday that Bosch was “an example of how we as women should speak up” in the face of aggression.

Contents of the article

Contents of the article

“At public events, I say that women look more beautiful when we speak up,” she said. “So my recognition goes to this young woman.”

The Mexican embassy in Thailand said on its Facebook page it was in “constant communication” with Bosch and her relatives, but did not respond to AFP's request for further comment.

“Devoted”

Meanwhile, Nawat saw his own behavior publicly disgrace the Miss Universe Organization.

“I will not allow the values ​​of respect and dignity of women to be violated,” President Raul Rocha said in a grand speech at the podium.

“Unfortunately, Nawat has forgotten the true meaning of being a true host,” he added, accusing him of “public aggression” and saying his role in the competition would be limited.

Contents of the article

Navat then appeared at a press conference in a tuxedo and wept openly, theatrically wiping his eyes with a handkerchief, declaring that he had been “betrayed.”

Contents of the article

But he played a starring role at the pageant's opening ceremony on Wednesday night, standing contritely in front of the assembled grinning beauty queens, where he apologized.

“I’m human,” he said. “The pressure is very high.”

“I didn't mean to hurt anyone because I respect you all. I have to say I'm really sorry.”

This is not the first time the tycoon, who is also the president of Thailand's Miss Grand International (MGI) pageant, has found himself in a row over a telenovela.

Last year, MGI members were outraged that they were forced to sit on plastic chairs and eat peanuts on a tour boat in Cambodia instead of a much-anticipated luxury river cruise.

Even before the fight with Miss Mexico, this year's Miss Universe pageant was controversial.

Thai media reported that police were investigating the participants for allegedly filming clips with pillows bearing the name of an online casino at their hotel, violating the country's strict gambling laws.

Barring further dramatic events, the finals of the competition will be held on November 21 in Nonthaburi province.

Contents of the article