Post by : Saif Rahman

A fresh dispute has erupted in the pageant world after several Miss Universe 2025 contestants walked out of an event held in Thailand. The protest followed Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, refusing to join a promotional group photo for Thailand. Nawat Itsaragrisil, president of Miss Grand International and a figure linked to Miss Universe activities, confronted her sharply. The confrontation was filmed and spread widely online, prompting strong reactions internationally.

At the center of renewed attention is Indian model Rachel Gupta. Crowned Miss Grand International in October 2024 as the first Indian winner, she returned the title in May 2025, alleging mistreatment while reigning. Gupta has accused the organisation of body-shaming, restricting her access to proper meals and placing her in substandard living conditions. The Miss Grand International body counters that she was removed for failing to fulfil required responsibilities.

Following the recent episode involving Miss Mexico and Nawat, Gupta posted on Instagram saying, "Karma is a queen." Many observers interpret the message as a veiled response to the new controversy, and her post attracted supportive comments from users in Mexico and elsewhere. Responses included messages such as, "We always believed you," and, "Silence is golden, and your peace is priceless."

A day earlier Gupta had shared a beach photo captioned "Free," which also drew praise from followers who said the evolving news cycle was casting her earlier claims in a new light.

Earlier this year Gupta uploaded a lengthy YouTube video titled, "The Truth about Miss Grand International," in which she detailed her experiences during her tenure. She described staying in a cramped hotel room for a month, having limited food access, being repeatedly told to manage her weight, and feeling isolated and stressed during extended periods indoors.

The Miss Grand International organisation has denied her allegations and provided its own account of events. Nonetheless, Gupta's testimony has garnered widespread online support, particularly from fans in India and beyond.

As the Miss Universe incident attracts attention, many are revisiting Gupta's statements. Some commentators say recent developments lend credence to her claims, while others suggest the episode highlights broader concerns about the treatment of pageant titleholders behind the scenes.