This year’s Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand, witnessed a controversial moment when the reigning titleholder, Victoria Thielemann, walked out of the ceremony in protest against what she described as inappropriate behavior by one of the pageant officials toward Miss Mexico, Melissa Flores Bush.

The incident involved Nawat Itsaragrisil, Vice President of the Miss Universe Organization for Asia and Oceania, who publicly reprimanded Flores for missing a photo session with one of the sponsors. A video shared on the Miss Universe Thailand Facebook page showed Nawat asking Flores to “explain herself,” before calling her “stupid” and ordering security to remove her from the hall.

As Flores exited, several contestants showed solidarity with her, attempting to leave as well, while Nawat tried to maintain order and prevent them from walking out. However, Thielemann decided to leave in support of her fellow contestant, stating: “This is a matter of women’s rights… this is not how anyone should be treated.”

The video quickly went viral online, with many praising Thielemann’s actions as one of the most empowering moments in the pageant’s history, while others criticized her for breaking protocol. Some viewers defended Nawat, claiming his statements were misunderstood or taken out of context.

The Miss Universe Organization, owned by Thailand’s JKN Global Group, issued an official statement affirming that all events would continue as planned and reaffirming their commitment to “diversity, empowerment, and inclusivity.” Later, Thielemann shared a photo with Flores alongside a message of support: “Standing up for yourself is not easy, but it is one of the most important expressions of self-respect and strength… Enough is enough, and our voices will be heard clearly.”

The incident reignited debates over the pageant’s culture and transparency, amid previous accusations of promoting a “toxic culture of public humiliation,” including earlier criticisms regarding favoritism in the crowning of Miss Cuba 2025, Lina Lluas, daughter of Univision host Lily Estefan and niece of the famous singer Gloria Estefan.