Miss Universe 2025 Controversy Highlights Crucial Need for Women Supporting Women

While life constantly demands women to appear strong, independent, and unwavering, the opposite is often the reality. Women frequently face pressure, criticism, and humiliation.

A current, high-profile example that has sparked debate is an incident involving Nawat Itsaragrisil, an executive in the Miss Universe 2025 organization in Thailand, and Mexican finalist, Fatima Bosch.

During a Miss Universe 2025 pre-competition event on Tuesday (4/11/2025) that was live-streamed, Fatima was publicly reprimanded by Nawat for allegedly refusing to promote Thailand as the host country. Standing among other finalists, Fatima denied the accusation.

Not only did Nawat reprimand her, but he also reportedly called the Miss Mexico contestant “dummy” or ‘stupid,’ which triggered a strong reaction from the other participants.

Several finalists even staged a walkout in solidarity to support a fellow woman. “Because I have a voice. You cannot disrespect me as a woman,” Fatima stated, as quoted by People.

Then, on Wednesday (5/11/2025), Nawat spoke to the media with a tearful expression. “I want to apologize to everyone. I didn’t think this issue would become this big,” he was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times. However, many people did not believe Nawat’s words, viewing his apology as insincere or merely a ‘formality.’

Support Among Women as a Tool for Protection and Transformation
The author believes that the behavior of Nawat Itsaragrisil in the Miss Universe 2025 controversy is not just about using harsh words, but about how a woman was publicly demeaned.

When a woman is called ‘stupid’ in front of an audience, the message sent is not just ‘you are wrong’ but rather ‘you are an object that can be belittled.’ This clearly contradicts the notion that women have a voice, have choices, and have a space to be respected.

The author also highlights the walkout staged by the majority of the finalists. This collective action serves as a sign that solidarity among women is a tool for protection and transformation.

The act sends a clear message that such treatment should not be tolerated. In this way, solidarity among women becomes a collective force demanding fair treatment.

Furthermore, this situation is a mirror reflecting that women’s empowerment is not just about individual excellence, but about establishing a system that respects all women. If one woman is allowed to be publicly shamed, all women are disadvantaged. We need to shift the paradigm to one where all women deserve to be respected, to have a voice, and to thrive in their fields.

This sentiment was also voiced by Fatima Bosch to the media. “I am not afraid to speak up. My voice is now stronger than ever. We live in the 21st century, and I am not a doll that is only here to be made up, styled, and dressed up,” said Fatima Bosch.