Miss Universe controversy sparked by host's bullying continues as winner Fátima Bosch Fernández stands tall.
Fátima, 25, from Mexico made history at the 74th Miss Universe pageant by being crowned despite sparking a walkout after being publicly chided by the event's co-owner. The drama unfolded when Nawat Itsaragrisil, Thailand's national director, berated Fátima for not participating in promotional activities during a sashing ceremony.
When Fátima refused to be silenced and walked out of the stage with several other contestants, including last year's winner Victoria Kjær Theilvig from Denmark, it sparked public outcry. Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú called out Nawat, saying he won't let contestants be "humiliated."
Later, Nawat offered a teary apology to the affected parties, stating that if anyone was uncomfortable with what happened, he was sorry.
Two judges also resigned from the competition - Omar Harfouch and Claude Makélélé. Harfouch cited emotional trauma and reputational damage following his decision to step down from the jury panel, citing a "secret vote" by people not officially part of the jury that preselected the top 130 contestants out of 136.
Meanwhile, Garbielle Henry of Jamaica is recovering at a hospital after she fell offstage on Wednesday during a preliminary round.
Fátima, 25, from Mexico made history at the 74th Miss Universe pageant by being crowned despite sparking a walkout after being publicly chided by the event's co-owner. The drama unfolded when Nawat Itsaragrisil, Thailand's national director, berated Fátima for not participating in promotional activities during a sashing ceremony.
When Fátima refused to be silenced and walked out of the stage with several other contestants, including last year's winner Victoria Kjær Theilvig from Denmark, it sparked public outcry. Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú called out Nawat, saying he won't let contestants be "humiliated."
Later, Nawat offered a teary apology to the affected parties, stating that if anyone was uncomfortable with what happened, he was sorry.
Two judges also resigned from the competition - Omar Harfouch and Claude Makélélé. Harfouch cited emotional trauma and reputational damage following his decision to step down from the jury panel, citing a "secret vote" by people not officially part of the jury that preselected the top 130 contestants out of 136.
Meanwhile, Garbielle Henry of Jamaica is recovering at a hospital after she fell offstage on Wednesday during a preliminary round.