Miss Universe 2025 Controversy: Winner Storms Out After Public Shaming Incident

A huge controversy that has shaken the 2025 Miss Universe competition in Bangkok, Thailand, broke openly during a live-streamed event. Reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig sent shockwaves throughout the pageant world as she walked out of a sashing ceremony in full solidarity with Miss Mexico Melissa Flores Bosch, who suffered public humiliation at the hands of Nawat Itsaragrisil-a senior official of the pageant. It was a moment that launched a global conversation about respect, dignity, and women's rights within beauty pageants.

The Incident at the Sashing Ceremony

The drama started in the delegates' hotel and involved a sashing ceremony, an event where contestants get their official sashes, symbolizing their participation. The event was streamed live from the official Miss Universe Thailand Facebook page and attracted viewers worldwide. Nawat Itsaragrisil, Vice President for Asia and Oceania of the Miss Universe Organization, confronted Miss Mexico, Melissa Flores Bosch, in public and called her out for being disrespectful because she missed a photo shoot sponsored by one of the sponsors that morning.

Nawat called Bosch to stand and "explain herself" in front of dozens of contestants and cameras. Bosch, visibly uncomfortable, refused to reply, citing that she did not want to be publicly reprimanded. In a shocking and brutal escalation, Nawat cut her off, called her "dumb," and ordered security to remove her from the event. This public shaming sent shockwaves among onlookers and those watching online. A number of contestants immediately rose in protest over the treatment of Miss Mexico.​

Victoria Theilvig's Stand: BRAVE

Among those to protest was the reigning Miss Universe, Victoria Kjær Theilvig; she announced less than a minute later that she would not be staying at the venue. Theilvig said,

"This is about women's rights. We respect everybody, but this is not how things can be handled. To trash another girl, it's beyond disrespectful. That's why I'm taking my coat and leaving."

Captured on video, her walkout went viral in no time, with fans and former contestants commending her courage and integrity for standing up to what she felt was humiliation and disrespect. Many described it as “the most empowering act in Miss Universe history”. ​

Support and Solidarity

After the incident, support came pouring in for Miss Mexico from around the world. Her fans applauded the composure Bosch had shown while being insulted and humiliated in public. Many commented on her dignified response, pointing out how she had called for women not to be trampled by others in positions of power. Social media was filled with messages of solidarity, praising both Bosch's resilience and Theilvig’s leadership.​

Others who reportedly walked out in protest or showed visible displeasure included Miss Armenia, Miss Canada, Miss Palestine, Miss Bahamas, Miss Cape Verde, Miss Spain, Miss Belize, Miss Bolivia, and Miss Bulgaria. This, in essence, was a collective reaction to their general concern about the way contestants were being treated by the event organizers.​

Accusations of bullying and toxic culture

The controversy spilled beyond this one incident, with fans and insiders accusing Nawat and parts of the Miss Universe Organization of fostering a culture of intimidation and toxic behavior. Reports emerged that Nawat warned contestants, mentally and physically intimidated others, and allegedly threatened those who wished to continue in the competition to stay seated and keep quiet. Many feel this behavior ran against the pageant’s message of women’s empowerment and respect.​

Miss Universe Organization’s Response

The Miss Universe Organization released a statement in response to the scandal, confirming that the previously scheduled events and activities would go on as planned. They released a statement of continued "diversity, empowerment, and inclusion," thereby reinforcing the principles summarized in the definition of Miss Universe. Notably, the statement did not mention Nawat Itsaragrisil himself, for which the organization received criticism of sidestepping accountability.​

The leadership of the organization, including Mauricio Cantu, president of the Miss Universe Organization under the Thailand-based JKN Global Group, said Nawat's actions were inappropriate and that steps were being taken to limit his presence at remaining events. Corporate and/or legal actions against Nawat were also speculated.​

Widespread Backlash and Global Debate

The public outcry against the incident was swift and furious. Fans, former contestants, and supporters went straight to social media, decrying the public shaming and coming to the support of Miss Mexico and Victoria Theilvig. The incident sparked broader discussions on social media about ethics, fairness, and respect in beauty pageants. People questioned if contestants were really being empowered or subjected to unfair treatment under the power of some officials.

Some Ukrainian former contestants and fans called this incident an illustration of a "toxic culture" synonymous with mistreating contestants in pageants and asked for a thorough review of the pageant's leadership. Others praised Theilvig for using her platform to shine a light on the problem and spur change within the pageant industry.​ Historical Context of Controversies in Miss Universe This is not an isolated incident. The Miss Universe Organization in recent years has been criticized on various issues regarding transparency and fairness.

 Accusations of favoritism and rigging were lodged by fans earlier in 2025 after the crowning of Miss Cuba, Lina Luaces, adding fuel to ongoing skepticism about the credibility of the pageant.​ Public incidents, like the one involving Nawat Itsaragrisil, appear to amplify these concerns, raising urgent questions of leadership quality, respect for contestants, and what is actually behind the glamour of beauty contests. 

The Power of Solidarity and Unity Victoria Theilvig's walkout and the support displayed by various contestants reflected a rare appearance of cohesion and strength within the pageant world. Her bold action to stand in solidarity with Miss Mexico sent a strong message that pride and respect are something on which a compromise cannot be made. It also reflected the growing expectations of pageant organizers to foster a supportive environment rather than one characterized by intimidation and humiliation in public.​ This incident may become a defining moment for Miss Universe 2025, shifting attention from the competition alone to the treatment and respect of women participating in these global events. 

Conclusion

A Call for Change in Pageant Culture This is evidenced by the walkout of Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig following the public shaming of Miss Mexico Melissa Flores Bosch-a moment which became pivotal in pageant history. It shows serious organizational flaws and points to the respect and kindness due to the contestants. The global support for both these women exemplifies that in pageants, above everything else, it is empowerment and dignity that have the top priority. 

As Miss Universe 2025 nears its finale, the challenge for the organization will be to be transparent about these issues, rebuild trust among contestants and fans, and reassert values of respect and inclusion that beauty pageants claim to represent. The eyes of the world remain on Bangkok and on Miss Universe, waiting to see how this powerful controversy shapes the future of one of the world’s most popular international competitions.

Image Credits: Instagram