Miss Universe contestants walked out of a pre-competition briefing on Tuesday, after an official from the host nation Thailand publicly berated Miss Mexico.
Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil called Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, a ‘dumbhead’ for failing to post promotional content.
When she stood up to object, Mr Nawat called security and threatened to disqualify those supporting her.
Video of the tense exchange, which was live streamed on the Miss Universe Thailand Facebook page, has been shared widely online.
The Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) has condemned Mr Nawat’s actions as ‘malicious’ and he has since apologised.