She also reportedly questioned why Miss Universe 2025 is held in Thailand, calling the country’s beaches “extremely polluted” and “disgusting”.
The annual international beauty pageant will be held on Nov 21.
Among those who condemned Machado’s rant was Filipino publicist and Miss Universe franchise owner Josh Yugen.
“It’s shocking that in 2025, we still hear such ignorance. Thailand – one of the world’s most welcoming, safe and sophisticated countries – deserves rspect, not mockery,” he wrote on Instagram Stories, alongside a clip of her livestream.
He suggested that she should visit the country to see its “first-class hotels, world-class transport and warm-hearted people” before making comments.
“Her words are proof that racism is still alive and we must continue fighting it – not with hate, but with education. Unfollow ignorance,” he added, concluding with a call to “stop Asian hate”.
Others have also pointed out the irony in Machado’s remarks, especially since she spoke up against discrimination when United States president Donald Trump fat-shamed her in 2016.
Source: CNA
