An executive from Miss Universe found themselves in the midst of a controversy during a preliminary event in Thailand after reprimanding one of the contestants.
The official pageant is scheduled for November 21, but preparations are already underway.
Contestants were addressed by pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil at an event on November 3, which was live-streamed on the Miss Universe Facebook page.
The situation escalated when Itsaragrisil criticized Miss Mexico in front of her fellow contestants.
Representing Mexico this year is Fátima Bosch, who allegedly missed a photoshoot intended to promote Thailand. Participants were expected to share these images on their social media platforms.
Itsaragrisil claimed that Bosch’s absence was due to instructions from Mexico’s pageant director.
The contestant reportedly denied these accusations, but Itsaragrisil interrupted her to insist she confirm she would post about Thailand, according to PEOPLE.
During the exchange, Itsaragrisil allegedly called Bosch a ‘dummy’, causing an uproar among the contestants.
Despite being ‘dismissed’, Bosch stood her ground to express her side.
Itsaragrisil remarked: “I still keep talking to everybody, why you still stand up to talk to me?”
Bosch responded, “Because I have a voice,” and added: “You are not respecting me as a woman.”
After several minutes of debate, Itsaragrisil called for security, met with audible disapproval from the women present.
As Bosch exited, she addressed Itsaragrisil: “As women, you need to show respect for us. I’m here representing a country and it’s not my fault that you have problems with my organization.”
Several contestants, including the current Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig, reportedly followed Bosch out of the room.
Itsaragrisil, however, cautioned them to sit down if they wished to remain in the competition.
Miss Bonaire was captured on video attempting to mediate, suggesting to Itsaragrisil that Bosch should be brought back.
“We can fix this. We can bring her back,” she implored, aiming for reconciliation. “We’re having such a great time in Thailand. This is such a great place. You’re doing everything right. Let’s get her to come back.”
Following the incident, Itsaragrisil posted an apology on social media.
He stated in a video: “If anyone [was] feeling not good, if anyone [was] not comfortable. If anyone [was affected], I do apologize for everyone.”
Itsaragrisil mentioned he also apologized to the contestants present during the incident.