Miss Universe contestants have staged a mass walkout in solidarity with Mexico’s pageant entrant who was berated by an official.

The Miss Universe Asia vice president accused Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, of not promoting the host nation, Thailand, on social media.

In front of all the other contestants at a pre-pageant event, Nawat Itsaragrisil called her “dumb” and attacked her for several minutes on Wednesday (local time).

“I heard you did not agree to post everything about Thailand, about every article of our own activities. Is it true?” the video, posted to Facebook by Miss Thailand, shows Itsaragrisil saying.

“You don’t like to post everything because your director from Mexico ordered you to not pay any attention, to post about the host country?

“If you follow the orders from your national director, you are a dumb head.”

Miss Mexico can be heard trying to defend herself and insist she is there to represent her country and “it’s not my fault if you have problems with my organisation”.

Bosch and other contestants, including reigning title-holder Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark, then stand and walk out of the room in protest.

Other contestants rise from their seats and look around at each other questioningly, and can be heard trying to work out how to resolve the situation.

As the women stream out, Itsaragrisil demands “stop, stop” and “sit down” and calls Miss Mexico a “problem”.

“If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down,” he says.

Later, Miss Mexico posted an interview in which she responded to the controversy.

Miss Mexico representative Fatima Bosch. Photo: AAP

“We’re in the 21st century, and I’m not a doll to be made up, styled, and have my clothes changed,” she said in a translation from Spanish.

“I came here to be a voice for all the women and all the girls who fight for causes and to tell my country that I’m completely committed to that.”

Miss Universe Organisation President Raúl Rocha said he would “not allow the values of respect and dignity of women to be violated”.

“Unfortunately, Nawat has forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host. It means to demonstrate to all delegates of all countries that he as the host has the obligation to serve them, assist them, support them, and to ensure they have a unique life experience filled with kindness and courtesy,” Cantú said.

“I would like to make it clear my great indignation toward Nawat for the public aggression he committed against Fátima Bosch, whom he humiliated, insulted and he showed a lack of respect, in addition to the serious abuse of having called security to intimidate a defenceless woman, trying to silence and exclude her. Nawat, you need to stop.”

Nawat Itsaragrisil speaks next to contestants during the official Miss Universe 2025 welcome event in Bangkok. Photo: AAP

Itsaragrisil, who is Asia and Oceania vice president of the Miss Universe Organisation, issued a public apology during the welcome ceremony.

“I think you must understand that the pressure is a lot. I am a human. Sometimes, I cannot control,” said Itsaragrisil, according to CNA Lifestyle.

“By the way, I do not intend to harm anyone because I respect all of you…I have to say, I am so sorry it’s happened.”

“If anyone isn’t comfortable with what has happened, I am so sorry.”