The Miss Universe 2025 Walkout, Explained: Why Everyone's Talking About The Sashing Ceremony

On Day 3 of pre-pageant activities for Miss Universe 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, the annual Sashing Ceremony—where candidates officially receive their country sashes—took an unexpected turn when Miss Universe Mexico, Fátima Bosch, walked out following an onstage exchange with Nawat Itsaragrisil, a Thai pageant executive.

Nawat, who heads Miss Universe Thailand and is part of the host committee, addressed Fátima in front of all the contestants during the behind-the-scenes Facebook livestream. He questioned her social media activity related to the pageant and its sponsors, reportedly describing her lack of posts as "disrespectful" to the host country.

"Mexico, I heard you don't agree to post about Thailand or our activities. Is it true?" Nawat asked.

Fátima tried to explain that she had been following instructions from her team. Nawat interrupted, calling her "dumb" for following her national director. The comment drew audible reactions from the room, prompting Fátima to respond, "You are not respecting me as a woman." Moments later, Nawat told security to escort her out of the venue.

Several delegates, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig, stood up and walked out in solidarity. In one video clip circulating online, Nawat can be heard shouting, "Stop! Sit down if [anyone wants] to continue the contest!"

Outside, Fátima addressed the press, saying she felt disrespected and humiliated. "I love Thailand. I have so much respect for all of you. But what your director did was not respectful. He called me 'dumb' because he [has] problems with the organization, and I think that's not fair."

Victoria later spoke with media outlets to express her support for Fátima and emphasizing the importance of women's empowerment and sisterhood.

"We have respect for everyone, but this is not how things [should] be handled. To trash another girl is beyond disrespectful," she said in a video posted by pageant correspondent Adam Genato.

On Instagram, she posted, "Standing up for yourself is one of the most important acts of self-respect and strength you can show. Enough is enough, and our voices will be heard loud and clear!"

In response to the growing controversy, the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) released an official statement reaffirming its mission to “ensure a safe, inspiring, and memorable experience for every delegate,” emphasizing collaboration with the host country. MUO President Raúl Rocha also clarified that judging will continue to be based on official categories like interview, national costume, evening gown, and swimsuit—not on promotional activities.

Update as of November 7, 2025, 2 p.m.: Raúl later released a stronger video statement condemning the incident as "public aggression" toward Fatima.

"I will not allow the values of respect and dignity toward women to be violated," he declared. "Unfortunately, Nawat has forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host. He humiliated, insulted, and intimidated a defenseless woman, trying to silence and exclude her."

Raúl announced immediate sanctions, including postponing the Sashing Ceremony to prevent further conflict and restricting Nawat's participation in the event. MUO also confirmed that a team of executives and diplomatic experts will also be sent to Bangkok to oversee the remainder of the pageant.

"The only ones who should shine are our Miss Universe delegates, who represent each of their countries with dignity," Raúl added.

In a show of solidarity, the Miss Universe Mexico organization took to Instagram to show their support for Fatima: "[Fatima] is stronger than ever, safer than ever, and more determined than ever. Because real queens don't break, they rise brighter."

As for Nawat, he has since issued multiple apologies—first via Instagram Stories, then in a tearful press conference on November 5.

During the official Miss Universe 2025 welcoming ceremony, held the same day, Nawat took the stage to address the delegates directly. He began by acknowledging the months of preparation leading up to event before turning to the recent controversy, expressing remorse for the incident and admitting that the intense pressure of organizing the event had taken its toll.

"I think you must understand [that] the pressure is a lot. I am a human. I [did] not intend to hurt anyone because I respect all of you. I am so sorry this happened," he said. "I have to apologize to the delegates. If anyone felt uncomfortable, I am so sorry."

Despite the ongoing controversy, the pageant's activities in Bangkok have continued under closer supervision, with the Miss Universe 2025 coronation night still set for November 21.