Khaberni - A shocking incident occurred at the Miss Universe competition in Bangkok, after the current titleholder Victoria Thelfjig left the hall in protest against the public reprimand of Miss Mexico Melissa Flores Bush in front of the contestants, due to her absence from a photo session for one of the sponsoring entities.
The incident, which was broadcast live on the Miss Universe Thailand's Facebook page, showed the Vice President of the organization for the Asia and Oceania region, Nawat Itsaragrisil, demanding Bush to stand up and explain her absence.
When the contestant refused to be publicly scolded, the official interrupted her, calling her "stupid" in front of the shocked attendees, then ordered the security to remove her, and Bush left the hall. Several contestants in solidarity with her also stood up, ready to leave, while Nawat was heard shouting: "Stop… Sit down."
However, the most significant development was when Victoria Thelfjig, the reigning Miss Universe, left the hall announcing her refusal of what happened, and said in a firm tone: "This is a matter of women's rights… We respect everyone, but this is not the way to treat people. Therefore, I will leave."
The video clip spread widely on social media, and many considered it "the most empowering moment in the history of the competition," praising Thelfjig’s courage.
The incident brought back a previous controversy about what some described as a culture of public humiliation and nepotism within the organization, especially after the criticisms that followed the crowning of Miss Cuba 2025, Lina Luaces, daughter of the media personality Lili Estefan, and cousin of the international singer Gloria Estefan, raising allegations of bias.
The Miss Universe organization issued a statement affirming that the events will continue as planned, reaffirming its commitment to the values of "diversity, empowerment, and inclusion."
