Manila, Nov. 5 -- The 74th Miss Universe pageant is off to a rocky start after a heated exchange took place between the participants and the hosts, Miss Universe Thailand (MUT) national director, just as the ceremonial sashing of candidates was about to begin on Tuesday, reported Philstar Global.

According to the outlet, the pageant itself was in disarray following conflicting statements from the main Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) and hosts Miss Universe Thailand (MUT), despite the latter's national director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, serving as MUO Executive Director.

MUO had branded a "Special Dinner & Talk Show" promoted by MUT, which was not officially sanctioned; however, MUT stated the activity was part of its marketing campaign, whi...