Lifestyle

Miss Universe Bahamas Talks Viral Walkout And Pageant Experience

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Miss Bahamas Universe 2025, Malique Maranda Bowe, is now sharing what really happened behind the viral walkout that captured global attention during the Miss Universe pageant held in Thailand.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 28, 2025

Denielle Miller

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – For more than six decades, The Bahamas has taken the international stage at the Miss Universe competition. But this year, the world wasn’t just watching the pageant, they were watching a moment of protest unfold.

Miss Bahamas Universe 2025, Malique Maranda Bowe, is now sharing what really happened behind the viral walkout that captured global attention during the Miss Universe pageant held in Thailand.

In an interview with Our News, Bowe reflected on the moment contestants from around the world left the room in solidarity, after Miss Universe Thailand National Director Nawat Itsaragrisil reportedly called Miss Universe Mexico “stupid” during a heated argument at the sashing ceremony.

“For any of us to be talked to in the way that she was being spoken to… it struck a nerve,” Bowe explained.
“There was no hesitation when everyone stood up and walked out of the room.”

Despite the Miss Universe Organization announcing that this year’s broadcast shattered global viewership records, many critics say the attention came for all the wrong reasons, from the walkout, to allegations of vote-rigging, to reports of arrest warrants tied to pageant officials.

Standing Up, Even in the Spotlight

Bowe told Our News that while she briefly considered the backlash she might face for participating in the protest, her values didn’t allow her to stay silent.

“I want young girls to know that even in the scariest moments, you have to be able to stand for something, otherwise you fall for anything.”

A Scary Moment for Miss Jamaica

The competition took another dark turn when Miss Jamaica was hospitalized after falling off the stage during preliminaries, a moment Bowe says she only discovered through social media.

She later went to visit Miss Jamaica in the hospital while still in Thailand.

“I actually went to visit her at the hospital in Thailand,” Bowe shared.

During her visit, the contestants shared what Bowe described as a deeply personal moment amid the pageant chaos, a reminder that sisterhood remains the heart of the Miss Universe experience.

“She said they shared a personal moment…and in all the chaos, the women formed a beautiful connection that she feels will last a lifetime,” said Our News’ Denielle Miller.

Sisterhood Above Everything

Even with the controversies surrounding the Miss Universe brand, Bowe says the relationships she built are her greatest takeaway.

“Despite what’s going on with Miss Universe now, one thing I walked away with is a whole lot of new sisters and friends in every part of the world.”

As the organization faces continued scrutiny, Bowe hopes her experience serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity, solidarity, and sisterhood, on and off the global stage.