Miss Universe Philippines calls for 'understanding and positivity' amid pageant controversies
The Miss Universe Philippines organization is asking pageant fans and supporters to refrain from negativity and, instead, focus on understanding as tensions remain high in Bangkok two weeks before the 74th Miss Universe competition.
In a statement posted on social media, Miss Universe Philippines addressed the controversy and called for a shift in perspective.
“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 organization wrote.
It also commended the prompt and direct response of Rocha, who, the organization said, has taken steps to keep the pageant on a smooth course.
Without mentioning names, MUP also denounced the “disparaging remarks about Thailand and racial stereotyping of Asians by a former Miss Universe.” (Pageant sites have been reposting a livestream video posted by former Miss Universe Alicia Machado on her page, where she allegedly referred to Thais, and Asians in general, using racial slurs. The video was supposedly posted following the walkout controversy.)
“Insults and slurs have no place in the Miss Universe community, which stands for compassion, education, and inclusion,” added MUP.
The organization supports pageantry’s “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 added that the Miss Universe platform stands for “international unity, women’s empowerment, and breaking barriers to foster an inclusive society.”
Concluding its statement, MUP expressed its support to this year’s host country: “We wish the great nation of Thailand success in hosting this year’s pageant.”
On Nov. 4, the controversy started when Miss Universe Thailand national director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly reprimanded Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch at a pre-pageant event for missing a sponsor shoot. After a tense exchange, Bosch walked out along with a few other delegates, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig.
This prompted Miss Universe Organization president Raúl Rocha to limit Itsaragrisil’s involvement in the remaining activities of the competition, saying in a statement, he felt “great indignation toward Nawat for the public aggression he committed against Fátima Bosch, whom he humiliated, insulted, and showed a lack of respect.”
Following MUO's restriction of his participation, Itsaragrisil has since apologized both on social media and at the Miss Universe Host Country event.
The 2025 Miss Universe pageant is slated for Nov. 21 with Ahtisa Manalo as the Philippines' representative.
