MISS MEXICO WAS publicly berated by an official at a Miss Universe ceremony – causing many contestants to walk out in solidarity with her.

At a pre-pageant ceremony, Fátima Bosch, 25, was criticised by Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil in front of dozens of people for failing to post promotional content.

Thailand is the host of the international beauty pageant which is due to begin later this month.

Over 190 countries take part in the annual pageant, which was started by a California swimwear company in 1952. Until 2015, the pageant was owned by the television company NBC and US President Donald Trump.

Itsaragrisil made the comments during a live streamed speech to the contestants where he allegedly called Bosch dumb – however he has since said he was misheard.

In response, Bosch said: “You are not respecting me as a woman”.

The official called security on Bosch – who got up and left the room.

Itsaragrisil threatened to disqualify other contestants who stood to walk out with her.

“If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down. If you step out, the rest of the girls continue,” he said.

‘Malicious’

The Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) said the official’s behaviour was “malicious”, adding that it would be taking legal action against him.

MUO has replaced the host and said it would be limiting Itsaragrisil’s participation in the remainder of the pageant.

Raul Rocha, the President of the organisation, said the official had “forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host”.

In a video statement he said the host had “humiliated, insulted and showed a lack of respect” to Bosch.

“I wish to reiterate that Miss Universe is an empowerment platform for women so that their voices can be heard in the world,” he said.