The Miss Universe Organization is addressing a controversy that unfolded during a pre-pageant event in Thailand, where Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, was publicly confronted and insulted by a pageant executive.
The incident, which occurred during a sash ceremony livestreamed on November 4, quickly drew global attention and led to a walkout by several contestants, including the current Miss Universe titleholder.
The confrontation began when Nawat Itsaragrisil, who serves as the Miss Universe vice president for Asia and Oceania and also leads the Miss Grand International organization, called out Bosch in front of the assembled delegates.
He questioned why she was absent from an earlier sponsor shoot and asked her to explain herself on camera. During the exchange, Itsaragrisil referred to her as “dumb” and later called for security. His statements and tone were widely criticized, and videos of the moment circulated across social media platforms.
Bosch attempted to respond during the exchange but was repeatedly interrupted. At one point, she was heard telling him, “You are not respecting me as a woman.” Shortly after, delegates stood from their seats and exited the room, signaling a collective protest.
Those who walked out included Miss Armenia, Miss Canada, Miss Spain, Miss Belize, Miss Cape Verde, Miss Bolivia, Miss Bulgaria, Miss Bahamas, Miss Palestine, and reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark.
Following the incident, Bosch shared a statement addressing the moment and her decision to speak up. “I’m not afraid to make my voice heard,” she said in Spanish in a video clip circulated online. “I came here to be a voice for all the women and all the girls who fight for causes.”
The Miss Universe Organization issued a formal response the same day. According to USA Today, in a video, MUO President Raúl Rocha Cantú criticized Itsaragrisil’s actions, describing them as “malicious” and stating that he had “humiliated” Bosch.
Cantú also addressed the decision to call security during the confrontation, describing it as an attempt to “intimidate a defenseless woman.”
“As the host, he has the obligation to serve the delegates, assist them, and support them,” Cantú said. He noted that Itsaragrisil’s participation in Miss Universe events moving forward would be restricted and that additional corporate and legal steps may follow.
Itsaragrisil later posted a video acknowledging that the situation caused discomfort and stated, “If anyone was not comfortable, I do apologize for everyone.” He cited miscommunication regarding contractual expectations, but did not directly address the remarks made to Bosch during the event, according to Remezcla.
Miss Universe Mexico also released a public statement, writing in Spanish that “No woman, under any circumstance, deserves to be insulted or humiliated.” The statement concluded by expressing support for Bosch and her representation of the country.
The Miss Universe 2025 pageant is scheduled to take place Nov. 21 in Pak Kret, Thailand, with 122 contestants participating. The organization has not announced whether any procedural changes will be implemented b the event.