Several Miss Universe contestants walked out of a pre-pageant ceremony in Thailand after host country director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly berated Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch for failing to post promotional content.
The tense confrontation, which was live-streamed, showed Itsaragrisil scolding Bosch in front of dozens of contestants. When she objected, he called security and threatened to disqualify supporters. Bosch left the room followed by others including reigning Miss Universe Denmark Victoria Kjaer Theilvig.
The Miss Universe Organization condemned Itsaragrisil's "malicious" behavior, sending international executives to take over competition operations. President Raul Rocha said the Thai official had "humiliated, insulted and showed a lack of respect" to Bosch and committed "serious abuse" by calling security.
Itsaragrisil later apologized in a social media video, saying "If anyone feels bad, uncomfortable, or affected, I apologize to everyone." The pageant continues with the winner to be crowned November 21.
