Miss Universe Singapore calls for ‘mutual respect’ after fellow contestant was allegedly called ‘dumb’ by host company chairman

SINGAPORE: Miss Universe Singapore Annika Sager has called for “mutual respect” and unity among women following a walkout during the Miss Universe Sashing Ceremony in Bangkok on Nov 4.

In a reflection shared on her Instagram story on Tuesday, Ms Sager wrote that every woman “carries a story, a purpose, and a voice” — and that when women are asked to remain silent, they “lose something”.

Her message urged compassion and equality in a world where “women continue to strive for equality and recognition”.

“We deserve to be uplifted, not undermined. We deserve the freedom to express our convictions with integrity and compassion,” she wrote.

Addressing the controversy, Ms Sager said the walkout serves as a “reminder that respect and empathy are the foundation of unity.” She added, “Here’s to creating a space where every woman feels safe, valued, and empowered to use her voice, not because she must, but because she can.”

The incident occurred during the Sashing Ceremony of the Miss Universe event in Bangkok after a confrontation between Miss Universe Mexico Fatima Bosch and Nawat Itsaragrisil, chairman of the Miss Universe Thailand Host Committee.

Footage circulating online showed a tense exchange between Ms Bosch and Mr Nawat in front of several contestants. According to Thai media outlet Khaosod English, Ms Bosch walked out of the room following the altercation, with several participants joining her in protest.

Ms Bosch later addressed the incident on social media, alleging that Mr Nawat had called her “dumb”. She described his remarks as “disrespectful”, saying, “No one has the right to silence us.”

“I believe the world needs to hear and see this, because we are all empowered women,” she wrote. “If something costs you your dignity, you need to walk away.”

The Miss Universe Mexico organisation also issued a statement condemning the incident as “unacceptable”, adding that “no woman, under any circumstance, deserves to be insulted or humiliated”.

Despite the controversy, the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) confirmed that the 74th Miss Universe competition in Bangkok will proceed as scheduled.