This is the dramatic moment a furious Miss Universe hopeful stormed out of an event after being called 'dumb' by a pageant executive.

Miss Universe Mexico Fatima Bosch, 25, walked out of the sashing ceremony on Tuesday after allegedly being insulted by Miss Universe Thailand national director Nawat Itsaragrisil.

The candidate had reportedly missed a sponsor shoot earlier that day, and Nawat had called her out during a live broadcast at a hotel in Bangkok.

Footage shows the senior official confronting Miss Universe Mexico in front of rolling cameras as a tense hush fell over the room.

The pageant contestant was heard tearfully explaining her side, but Nawat reportedly interrupted and called her 'dumb'.

When a humiliated Fatima stood up to leave, the senior official then called for security amid audible groans from the crowd. Several other beauty queens also began making their exit, with Nawat allegedly threatening them: 'If anyone wants to continue... sit down.'

Reigning Miss Universe Victoria Theilvig from Denmark was among those who walked out of the pre-pageant event.

She condemned the 'disrespectful' incident, saying: 'This is about women's rights. I'm so sorry, we need to do something bigger. We have respect for everyone, but this is not how things can be handled. To trash another girl, it's beyond disrespectful, and it's nothing I've ever done. That's why I'm taking my coat and I'm going.'

Shortly after the confrontation, Fatima told reporters: 'I truly love Thailand. I have so much respect for all of you, but what your director just did was not respectful. He called me ‘dumb' because he has problems with the organisation and I think that's not fair. Because I'm here and I do everything okay, I don't mess with anyone, I'm just trying to be kind, trying to give my best.

'I think that the world needs to see this, because we are empowered women. This platform is meant for our voice, and no one can shut our voice, and no one will do that to me.

'To everyone, especially women, no matter how big your dreams are, even if you wear a crown, if something costs you your dignity, you need to walk away. Thank you.'

A visibly frazzled Nawat later apologised in a livestream, claiming the conflict stemmed from a misunderstanding about the competition's scoring format, which caused several candidates to decline participating in sponsor-related promotional content.

He added: 'If anyone is feeling not good, if anyone is not comfortable, if anyone is affected, I do apologise to everyone. But I did talk, apologise to the rest of the girls in the room. Around 75 girls in the room already.

'I prepared everything for everybody, every country, that I wish to make history of Miss Universe 74 with the organisation. This is my dream.'

Following the incident, the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) reaffirmed its commitment to working with the host community.

It said: 'Together, we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of respect, safety, and integrity for all participants, staff, and stakeholders.'

All scheduled activities will proceed as planned, and delegation will also be sent to Thailand 'to strengthen collaboration with the host country', the MUO added.

The incident comes after Nawat alleged that the MUO staff told contestants to film promotional content for an online casino, which violates Thai law.