Victoria Kj\u00e6r Theilvig<\/strong> \u2014 stood up and walked out in solidarity with Miss Mexico. Viewers online have since dubbed the walkout \u201cthe most empowering act in Miss Universe history.\u201d<\/p>\nThe Backlash<\/h2>\n
Delegates from around the world joined the protest, including Miss Armenia, Miss Canada, Miss Palestine, Miss Bahamas, Miss Cape Verde, Miss Spain, Miss Belize, Miss Bolivia and Miss Bulgaria.<\/p>\n
The backlash was so swift that the President of the Miss Universe Organization, Ra\u00fal Rocha Cant\u00fa, released a statement condemning Nawat\u2019s behavior.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to express my solidarity and unconditional support to all the delegates representing the 122 countries of the Miss Universe competition, in which Thailand is our host country,\u201d Rocha said. \u201cI will not allow the values of respect and dignity towards women be violated. Unfortunately, Nawat has forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nawat\u2019s Response<\/h2>\n
Following the incident, Nawat went live on his social media accounts to address the controversy \u2014 though many fans felt his apology missed the mark.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf someone doesn\u2019t feel well, if someone feels uncomfortable, if anyone was affected, I apologize to everyone,\u201d he said. \u201cI already spoke and apologized to the rest of the girls in the room, about seventy-five girls.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also attempted to explain that Miss Mexico may have misunderstood instructions regarding the photoshoot.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know many conditions happen. If you can remember you will check every situation from announcements, from anything,\u201d Nawat said. \u201cAll of the delegates, they\u2019re not at fault. But maybe they\u2019re confused when they read the announcement from MU.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n<\/blockquote>\nWho Is Nawat Itsaragrisil?<\/h2>\n
Nawat, 60, is a Thai TV host, producer, and businessman who currently serves as President of Miss Grand International, National Director of Miss Universe Thailand, and Executive Director of the Miss Universe Organization. He\u2019s well-known in Thailand for hosting shows like Exhibition Show and Today Show.<\/p>\n
However, controversy seems to follow him. Nawat has been accused multiple times of inappropriate comments toward contestants:<\/p>\n
In 2016, Miss Iceland 2015, Arna \u00ddr J\u00f3nsd\u00f3ttir<\/strong>, claimed he called her \u201ctoo fat\u201d and told her to lose weight before finals.<\/p>\nIn 2022, he criticized Miss Vietnam\u2019s body on a livestream.<\/p>\n
In 2024, he was accused of body-shaming Miss Grand International winner Rachel Gupta<\/strong>.<\/p>\nGiven that history, many weren\u2019t surprised when the viral clip showed him berating Miss Mexico \u2014 but this time, the public reaction was immediate and loud.<\/p>\n
Miss Mexico Speaks Out<\/h2>\n
While F\u00e1tima hasn\u2019t spoken in detail about the incident, the Miss Universe Mexico Organization released a statement shortly afterward:<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom Mexico to the world, let\u2019s remember: respect is not optional. Empowerment isn\u2019t a trend. It\u2019s our right. To all the fans, creators, and everyone who has joined us: Thank you for showing that solidarity is louder than hate.\u201d<\/p>\n
As of now, Nawat remains in his position \u2014 but fans and fellow delegates are calling for accountability.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n