The Miss Universe 2025 competition, meant to celebrate empowerment and global sisterhood, has found itself at the centre of a storm on 3 November.
During what was supposed to be a routine pre-pageant sash ceremony in Thailand, Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, was publicly insulted by Thai pageant director Nawat Itsaragrisil. This lead to a walkout by multiple contestants — including the reigning Miss Universe.
A confrontation broadcast live
The incident unfolded during a livestream on Miss Universe Thailand’s Facebook page. Nawat, who serves as Vice President for Asia and Oceania for the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) and president of Miss Grand International (MGI), publicly questioned Bosch’s absence from a sponsor photoshoot earlier.
In front of more than 120 delegates, Nawat asked Bosch to stand and “explain herself.” When she tried to respond, he interrupted, reportedly calling her “dumb.” After Bosch defended herself, saying she wasn’t being respected, Nawat was heard calling for security.
In reported exact words, Itsaragrisil told the women, “If you follow the orders from your national director, you are a dumb head.” He later added that this was a matter of upholding his business contract.
“I am a businessman. I have a lot of money. I have a lot of business,” he said. “The legal contract is internationally legal.” When Bosch attempted to respond, he shot back, “I didn’t hear you (asking) to talk. Please keep polite for me. I’m still talking – listen!”
The confrontation left the room in shock. As Bosch exited, several contestants — including Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig — stood and followed her out. Others who joined the walkout included Miss Armenia, Miss Canada, Miss Palestine, Miss Bahamas, Miss Cape Verde, Miss Spain, and many others.
The moment was quickly described online as “the most empowering act in Miss Universe history.”
“What he did was disrespectful”
Speaking to the media after the incident, Bosch said, “I really love Thailand, I respect everyone, I think they are amazing people. But what the director just did was disrespectful; he called me ‘dumb’ because he has issues with the organization.”
In a video from social media, Bosch said in Spanish, “I just want to let my country know, I’m not afraid to make my voice heard. It’s here stronger than ever. I came here to be a voice for all the women and all the girls who fight for causes.”
Miss Universe Mexico quickly issued a statement of solidarity: “What happened today with @fatimaboschfdz in Thailand is unacceptable. No woman, on any stage, deserves to be insulted or humiliated… Today and always, Mexico stands with you, Fátima. Your strength, your class, and your voice represent the best of our nation.”
Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Theilvig also expressed support online: “Standing up for yourself is not always easy, but it is one of the most important acts of self-respect and strength you can show… Enough is enough, and our voices will be heard loud and clear!”
Miss Universe President Raul Rocha: “Nawat, You Need to Stop”
Miss Universe Organization (MUO) President Raúl Rocha Cantú publicly condemned Nawat Itsaragrisil’s behaviour. In a six-minute video shared across MUO’s official social channels, he described him as someone with a “constant desire to be the center of attention.” Rocha said he was personally angered by the confrontation, stating, “I will not allow the values of respect and dignity toward women to be violated. Unfortunately, Nawat has forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host.”
He expressed “great indignation” over what he called “public aggression” against Fátima Bosch. Rocha added, “He humiliated, insulted, and showed a lack of respect, in addition to the serious abuse of having called security to intimidate a defenseless woman. Nawat, you need to stop.”
Rocha confirmed that MUO CEO Mario Búcaro and other executives were sent to Thailand to “take control of the event.” This was to ensure the situation was resolved. He also announced that Nawat’s participation in the competition would be “restricted as much as possible, or eliminated entirely.” This was meant to assure contestants that Miss Universe remains a safe platform for women to shine.
Nawat has since apologised on livestream, saying, “If anyone feeling not good, if anyone not comfortable, if anyone affect, I do apologize for everyone.” He explained that “confusion” around the sponsor shoot may have caused misunderstandings. However, critics have described the apology as inadequate and vague.
Miss Universe warns against “unauthorised events”
The controversy comes just days after the Miss Universe Organization released a separate warning about unauthorised events being promoted under its name.
On 2 November 2025, MUO stated that any third-party activities or promotional materials using the Miss Universe logo, marks, or branding without written authorisation are “a violation of intellectual property rights.”
The organisation said that several ongoing online campaigns and gatherings were “unauthorised and misleading.” They urged fans and participants to rely only on verified MUO channels.
While unrelated to the Mexico incident, the timing of this announcement raised questions about the organisation’s internal management and control over its global franchises.
Nawat’s History of Pageant Controversies
Thai pageant director Nawat Itsaragrisil has long been a polarising figure in the beauty pageant world. Over the years, he has repeatedly drawn criticism for public outbursts, personal insults, and disputes with contestants and national directors. In 2023, Nawat cut ties with Filipino beauty queen MJ Lastimosa after she interviewed a transgender contestant, calling her “two-faced” and banning her from Miss Grand events.
In 2024, he revoked Myanmar’s participation in Miss Grand International after accusing its national director of “disrespect,” later issuing a lifetime ban. Earlier this year, he was also condemned for making a derogatory remark about Miss Grand International 2024 Rachel Gupta with phrases including “smelly armpit”. Despite past apologies — including a 2022 statement where he said, “We stop now” — Nawat’s repeated public conflicts continue to spark debate over professionalism and ethics in international pageantry.
A divided legacy
For many viewers, the walkout was a powerful moment of solidarity and female empowerment. But for Miss Universe, it has reopened long-standing questions about its handling of regional leadership and contestant welfare.
Whether the organisation’s response restores faith remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Miss Mexico’s refusal to stay silent — and the delegates’ decision to walk with her — has already become a defining moment of Miss Universe 2025.
Watch videos here:
@pageant.liveph BREAKING NEWS | MISS UNIVERSE 2025 What no one expected just happened in Thailand Mr. Nawat Itsaragrisil, director of Miss Grand International, publicly lashed out at Fatima Bosh and the Miss Universe Mexico organization, generating a strong controversy during the band imposition event. Facing tension, Nawat decided to withdraw from the event, while several female candidates opted to leave the ceremony in disagreement with the incident. If it were not enough, the current Miss Universe, Victoria, would have also shown her annoyance at the situation, making it clear that this was completely out of control. Social networks are exploding with reactions, and the public is demanding an official response from the organizations involved. & #MissUniverse2025 #FatimaBosh #MissUniverseMexico #BreakingNews #MissUniverseThailand
@jasper_wakin98 BREAKING NEWS MISS UNIVERSE 2025 What no one expected just happened in Thailand Mr. Nawat Itsaragrisil, director of Miss Grand International, publicly lashed out at Fatima Bosh and the Miss Universe Mexico organization, generating a strong controversy during the band imposition event. Facing tension, Nawat decided to withdraw from the event, while several female candidates opted to leave the ceremony in disagreement with the incident. If it were not enough, the current Miss Universe, Victoria, would have also shown her annoyance at the situation, making it clear that this was completely out of control. Social networks are exploding with reactions, and the public is demanding an official response from the organizations involved. & #MissUniverse2025 #fyp #MissUniverseMexico #BreakingNews #MissUniverseThailand
@its_1belle Miss Universe sashing ceremony ganap#missuniverse #athisamanalo #missuniversethailand #missuniversemexico
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