MUPH calls for ‘unity, positivity’ after Miss Universe 2025 walkout incident
The Miss Universe Philippines Organization (MUPH) has called on pageant fans and supporters to shift their focus toward celebrating the delegates of Miss Universe 2025, following the walkout incident at a pre-pageant event in Thailand.
“We invite all pageant fans and supporters to focus on celebrating the Miss Universe 2025 delegates,” the organization said in a statement on Thursday, Nov. 6. “While recent incidents have stirred strong emotions, responding with negativity or calls for cancellation only divides our community. We encourage understanding and positivity to uplift the women involved and strengthen the pageant.”
The statement comes after a confrontation involving Nawat Itsaragrisil, the national director of Miss Universe Thailand and who is part of the host committee leadership, and Fátima Bosch, representing Mexico.
Nawat publicly confronted Bosch at a recent sashing ceremony for allegedly refusing to participate in a promotional activity. Nawat’s remarks prompted Bosch and several other delegates to walk out of the venue, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig.
MUPH then commended Miss Universe Organization (MUO) President Raul Rocha for “calling out” Nawat for the public aggression he committed against Miss Mexico.
“We commend MUO President Raul Rocha for his prompt and direct response to the recent issues. The Miss Universe Organization has taken the necessary steps to address the matter and ensure the pageant proceeds smoothly,” MUPH said.
The local pageant organization also addressed remarks about racial stereotyping after Miss Universe 1996 Alicia Machado insulted Thailand and mocked Asian features amid her criticism of Nawat for lambasting a delegate.
“We also hope the disparaging remarks about Thailand and racial stereotyping of Asians by a former Miss Universe will not happen again. Insults and slurs have no place in the Miss Universe community, which stands for compassion, education, and inclusion,” MUPH said.
MUPH concluded its statement by reaffirming the pageant’s mission, including international unity and women’s empowerment.
“Pageantry has the power to inspire, transform, and unite. Instead of toxicity, let us choose dialogue, understanding, and progress. Mistakes do not define the future; compassion, respect, empowerment, and understanding do,” it read.
“Let us carry forward the Miss Universe legacy — a platform for international unity, women’s empowerment, and breaking barriers to foster an inclusive society. We wish the great nation of Thailand success in hosting this year’s pageant. Mabuhay, Miss Universe!” it concluded.
Pre-pageant events for this year’s Miss Universe are currently in full swing in Bangkok, ahead of the finals night on Nov. 21, where Ahtisa Manalo is vying to bring home the fifth Miss Universe crown for the Philippines. /ra
