Miss Universe S'pore calls for 'mutual respect' after official called Miss Mexico 'dumb' in Bangkok
Miss Universe Singapore Annika Sager has called for "mutual respect" in a reflection shared on her Instagram story on Nov 5, following a walkout during the Miss Universe event in Bangkok.
Ms Sager began by saying that every woman "carries a story, a purpose, and a voice" - and when they are asked to remain silent, they all "lose something".
Her message called for "mutual respect" 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," wrote Ms Sager.
The walkout, she said, serves as a "reminder that respect and empathy are the foundations of unity".
"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."
What led to the walkout at the event?
During the Sashing Ceremony of the Miss Universe event on Nov 4, a walkout occurred after a conflict between Miss Universe Mexico, Fatima Bosch, and the chairman of the Miss Universe Thailand Host Committee, Nawat Itsaragrisil.
Footage circulated online showing a confrontation between Ms Bosch and Mr Nawat in front of several contestants. Ms Bosch then walked out of the room, with other participants following, according to Thai media Khaosod English.
Ms Bosch later took to her social media to say that Mr Nawat had called her "dumb", saying his remarks were "disrespectful" and that "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, adding that "if something costs you your dignity, you need to walk away."
The Miss Universe Mexico organisation subsequently released a statement, calling the incident "unacceptable", adding that "no woman, under any circumstance, deserves to be insulted or humiliated."
Despite that, the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) announced that the 74th Miss Universe competition in Bangkok will proceed as scheduled.
