With only weeks to go until the highly anticipated Miss Universe finale, tensions have surfaced behind the scenes. Differences between contest organizers and franchise owners reached Miss Universe Mexico, Fátima Bosch, who faced a public reprimand from Nawat Itsaragrisil, director of the Thailand pageant and co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization.
After Bosch spoke out about the incident, she received support from fellow contestants, including reigning Miss Universe, Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig.
Victoria took to Instagram to address the situation in Thailand. She shared a photo of several current contestants, who appeared to stand up and leave the room alongside Fátima during the tense exchange.
“This is about women’s rights,” Victoria also 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.”
Later, Victoria posted a photo with Miss Universe Mexico, offering her full support. “Always proud of my @fatimaboschfdz,” she captioned. “Standing up for yourself isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most important acts of self-love and strength you can show.”
Victoria also emphasized the importance of defending oneself when faced with injustice. “It means knowing your worth, setting boundaries, and refusing to let anyone diminish your voice or value. It’s about recognizing your right to be heard, to speak your truth, and to chase your dreams, no matter the obstacles. Enough is enough! Our voices will be heard, loud and clear!”
More contestants show their support:
Victoria isn’t the only one showing support. Several regional Miss Universe organizations also spoke out. Miss Universe Iraq, Hanin Al Qoreishy, who stood by Fátima throughout the ordeal and even accompanied her in front of the media, expressed solidarity.
“In Miss Universe Iraq, we firmly reject any form of disrespect. We were deeply moved by the recent incident involving Miss Universe Mexico and want to make it clear that we will always support those facing such challenges. Our mission is to empower women and ensure their voices are heard worldwide. From Iraq to Mexico, all our love and respect,” the organization shared in an Instagram statement.
“Thanks to our beautiful queen @haninalqoreishy for showing the world who we truly are: the first queen to walk beside @fatimaboschfdz, leaving no room for disrespect,” the post added, along with video footage of Fátima addressing the cameras.
Miss Universe Panama’s organization also condemned the Thailand incident and voiced support for Fátima. “Respect for every contestant’s dignity is and must always be a priority. As an allied organization, we stand in solidarity with Miss Universe Mexico and demand respect for its candidate and all participants,” they said.
Mirna Caballini, Miss Universe Panama, added that they trust the Miss Universe Organization, led by Raúl Rocha Cantú, to ensure “the safety and well-being of all our contestants.” They respectfully requested that the security and management of the pageant remain under the exclusive control of The Miss Universe Organization, as in previous editions.