After the controversial walkout of some candidates at the opening of the Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Thailand, reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig appeared to be missing some of the scheduled events arranged by the Thai hosting committee.
Theilvig hasn’t been seen in pre-pageant activities since the controversial walkout of some candidates when she accompanied Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch after the latter was publicly berated by Nawat Itsaragrisil, Miss Universe’s VP for Asiana, at a sashing ceremony.
In Theilvig’s absence, Miss Grand International 2025 Emma Tiglao was thrusted in the spotlight, seemingly stepping in upon instruction from Nawat, who is the founder of the MGI organization, at the same time the head of the Thailand hosting committee for Miss Universe’s 74th edition.
Incidentally, Nawat is also the franchise holder of Miss Universe Thailand that is tasked with mounting the promotions and pre-pageant activities leading to the coronation ceremony of the global tilt this Nov. 21.
Tiglao became the co-host during a gala dinner for Thailand’s sponsors during a pre-pageant event held in Phuket, and even posed for pictures with Nawat during the presentation of Miss Universe candidates.
In support of Victoria
Miss Universe 2025 Iraq 2025 Hanin Al Qoreishy was among those who are missing Theilvig’s presence in these events.
In her Instagram, Al Qoreishy expressed her support for Theilvig who seemed sidelined by the recent turn of events at arguably the world’s most prestigious pageant event, while throwing shade at the MGI organization amid the power struggle within the MUO.
‘I stand in full support of the Miss Universe Organization and our reigning queen, Victoria. The Miss Universe platform has always represented authenticity, empowerment, and unity – values that we, as delegates deeply honor,’ Qoreishy wrote in her statement.
‘This is Miss Universe, not MGI, and we wish to preserve the integrity and independence of this historic organization,’ she continued.
The Iraqi beauty queen claimed that ‘every delegate’ dreamt of an opportunity to interact with Theilvig throughout the pre-pageant activities.
‘In recent days, we have been saddened that our Queen, Victoria, has not been able to join us at several official functions due to circumstances beyond the Miss Universe Organization’s control,’ she said. ‘Every delegate here has dreamt of sharing this once-in-a-lifetime experience with her – to be inspired, guided, and celebrated by the woman who carries the Miss Universe crown.’
Al Qoreishy urged Theilvig and MUO to appear at the global tilt’s events, saying it is a move toward ‘transparency and sisterhood.’
‘With the utmost respect for everyone involved, we urge the presence of Victoria and the Miss Universe Organization among their delegates, so that we may continue this journey in the true spirit of transparency, collaboration, and sisterhood,’ she said.
To end her statement, Qoreishy said the recent string of drama unfolding at the 74th Miss Universe has been ‘discouraging’ for her. As a result, she decided to ‘limit [her] content’ in support of Theilvig.
‘I am personally discouraged by the current situation and will be limiting our content until our Queen is able to be beside us – as she rightfully should be. This is not an act of protest, but of respect for the Miss Universe legacy and the values it stands for,’ she said.
Will she or will she not?
After the walkout, Theilvig was interviewed, saying what Nawat did to the Mexican delegate was ‘beyond disrespectful,’ and that it’s nothing that she as a person would tolerate. ‘That’s why l’m taking my call and I’m going,’ she said.
Apart from showing support for Bosch, Theilvig has yet to address the ongoing power struggle within the MUO, as of this writing. Reports quoting MGI executive Teresa Yuphayao Chaivisut said the Danish beauty queen was just holed up in her hotel room and refused to attend to her commitments in Phuket.
Her recent post, however, showed her roaming around Thailand with no clarification on whether she would participate in the pre-pageant activities or not.
Theilvig is set to crown her successor at the Impact Challenger Hall in Nothaburi, Thailand, on November 21.
The Philippines is being represented by Ahtisa Manalo, who is out to win the country’s fifth Miss Universe crown, last bagged by Catriona Gray in 2018, also in Thailand