Miss Universe Thailand cancels special dinner and talk show event after MUO said it's 'unauthorized'
Miss Universe Thailand has canceled the supposed Special Dinner and Talk Show event with its national director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, and Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Theilvig after the Miss Universe Organization deemed it "unauthorized."
"Miss Grand International Public Company Limited (MGI PCL), as the official host organization of The 74th Miss Universe, would like to inform the public that we must cancel the event 'Top 10 Special Dinner & Talk Show with Queen Victoria and Mr. Nawat,'" the organization said in its statement on Thursday, Nov. 6.
It added that following MUO's statement about the said activity, its sponsors have withdrawn their support, citing "concerns, discomfort, and pressure."
"MGI PCL, as the host organization, sincerely apologizes to all fans and supporters for any inconvenience this may cause, and we truly appreciate your continued enthusiasm and commitment in voting for and supporting your representatives," MU Thailand said.
"We remain fully committed to providing the best care, management, and media updates for all delegates participating in The 74th Miss Universe," it concluded.
After MU Thailand held a voting contest last weekend, MUO released a statement clarifying that the activity "is not authorized."
"The Organization further declares that any promotional materials, contests, or voting initiatives currently circulating online under the Miss Universe name, including those associated with the aforementioned event, are unauthorized and misleading. Such initiatives do not represent the values, operations, or official activities of the Miss Universe Organization," its Nov. 2 statement read.
"As the global authority of the Miss Universe brand, MUO will continue to uphold the highest standards of transparency, professionalism, and integrity in every country where it operates," it added.
For their part, MU Thailand said the activity was part of the official marketing package authorized for them as the host country.
This came after a series of tensions occurred between the MUO and this year's host country, Thailand. On Nov. 4, several delegates were seen walking out from Itsaragrisil in the viral sashing ceremony. The live broadcast of the event showed the national director asking Fátima Bosch of Mexico to stand and explain her absence at the shoot earlier, as well as clarify why she was not posting about Thailand during the pre-pageant activities, but was open to being filmed by Telemundo.
Reports say Bosch spoke up in her defense as Itsaragrisil interrupted her. Moments later, Bosch walked out, with several other delegates, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig, to leave the event in solidarity.
That same day, Itsaragrisil apologized for the incident. The next day, MUO president Raúl Rocha announced that Itsaragrisil is officially restricted from activities of the pageant's 74th edition.
The 74th Miss Universe pageant coronation will happen on Nov. 21, with Ahtisa Manalo vying for the Philippines' fifth crown.
