The Miss Universe pageant took an unexpected turn this year when the event’s winner abruptly exited after the president criticized Miss Mexico for what he perceived as a lack of “respect.”

Victoria Theilvig made her departure during the sashing ceremony at the Miss Universe delegates’ hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. The provocative moment unfolded when a senior official publicly admonished Melissa Flores Bosch in front of numerous fellow contestants.

This incident occurred during a live-streamed segment of the event. Nawat Itsaragrisil, who serves as the Vice President for Asia and Oceania for the Miss Universe Organization, confronted Bosch over her failure to attend a sponsor shoot earlier that day.

The confrontation was captured on the official Miss Universe Thailand Facebook page, where Nawat was seen asking Bosch to stand and “explain herself” on camera.

Feeling uneasy, Bosch expressed her discomfort with being publicly scolded in front of her peers. However, Nawat interrupted her response, allegedly labeling her as “dumb.”

As the situation escalated, Nawat directed security to remove Bosch from the hotel event after she insisted on “using my voice.”

Bosch left the room as several other contestants also got to their feet seemingly ready to stage a walkout.

Nawat could be heard shouting ‘Stop, stop’ as the beauty queens began making their way out of the room. Nawat then tells them to ‘Sit down’.

The incident took place during a live-streamed ceremony of the event, where Nawat Itsaragrisil, Vice President for Asia and Oceania within the Miss Universe Organisation, confronted Melissa Flores Bosch about her absence from a sponsor shoot earlier that day

Bosch left the room as several other contestants also got to their feet seemingly ready to stage a walkout

Nawat could be heard shouting ‘Stop, stop’ as the beauty queens began making their way out of the room. Nawat then tells them to ‘Sit down’

Theilvig is one of the pageant queens who storms out of the ceremony and is later seen in footage announcing she would not remain in the venue.

‘This is about women’s rights,’ she said. ‘I’m so sorry, we need to do something bigger. 

‘We have respect for everyone, but this is not how things can be handled. 

‘To trash another girl – it’s beyond disrespectful and it’s nothing I’ve ever done. That’s why I’m taking my coat and I’m going.’

The clip was shared to social media and quickly gained traction online, as well praise from other women and delegates. 

Fans and former contestants hailed Theilvig’s walkout as an act of integrity and courage. Influencers described the moment as ‘the most empowering act in Miss Universe history.’

Others, however, accused the Danish titleholder of overstepping protocol and disrupting an official event. 

Some Thai fans defended Nawat, suggesting his comments had been mistranslated or taken out of context.

The Miss Universe Organisation released a statement saying: ‘All scheduled events and activities will continue as planned, reaffirming our shared goal of delivering an exceptional celebration that reflects the values of diversity, empowerment, and inclusion that define the Miss Universe legacy.’

Following the incident, Theilvig uploaded a photo of her and Bosch on the Miss Universe stage alongside a message of support.

‘Forever proud of my @fatimaboschfdz,’ she wrote.

‘Standing up for yourself is not always easy, but it is one of the most important acts of self-respect and strength you can show.

‘It means knowing your worth, setting boundaries, and not allowing anyone or anything to undermine your voice or your value.

‘It’s about acknowledging that you have a right to be heard, to express your opinions, and to pursue your dreams, regardless of any obstacles that may come your way.

‘Enough is enough, and our voices will be heard loud and clear!’ 

Theilvig is one of the pageant queens who storms out of the ceremony and is later seen in footage announcing she would not remain in the venue

Fans and former contestants hailed Theilvig’s walkout as an act of integrity and courage

Following the incident, Theilvig uploaded a photo of her and Bosch on the Miss Universe stage alongside a message of support

The Miss Universe Organisation, now owned by Thailand-based JKN Global Group, has faced increasing criticism over transparency and contestant treatment. 

The Bangkok walkout has reignited those concerns, with critics saying it highlights ‘a toxic culture of public shaming’ within the organisation.  

It comes after Miss Universe fans were left outraged after it was revealed that competition winner Lina Luaces had a shocking connection to the entertainment world.

The 22-year-old, who hails from Miami, Florida, was crowned as Miss Cuba 2025 in July.

However, many seemed to be skeptical of Luaces’ win, as it was revealed that she is the daughter of Univision host Lili Estefan. Her uncle, Emilio Estefan, is a music producer and businessman and her aunt is famous singer Gloria Estefan. 

Lili, Gloria and Emilio were born in Cuba, while Luaces grew up in Miami. Her mother is estimated to have a net worth of around $500 million. 

Many even took to the official Miss Universe Cuba Instagram page to air their grievances, with some even claiming that it was ‘rigged’ due to the ‘nepo baby’ win.