The 2025 edition of Miss Universe 2025 has entered a crisis phase after a punch-up involving Thai host executive Nawat Itsaragrisil and Mexican contestant Fátima Bosch erupted into a walk-out by multiple delegates in Bangkok.

On Tuesday, owner and co-chairman Raúl Rocha Cantú broke his silence, publicly condemning the episode and announcing decisive organisational changes.

In a statement conveyed to media and contestants, Rocha expressed “unconditional solidarity and support” for all 122 delegates and labelled the public confrontation with Miss Mexico as “unacceptable and disgraceful”.

He emphasised the organisation’s values of respect and dignity towards women and said he would not tolerate what he described as the director having “forgotten what it means to be a true host.”

The chain of events began during a pre-event gathering before the sash ceremony held in Bangkok, during which Mr Itsaragrisil reportedly challenged Bosch for not participating in a promotional video.

The confrontation was recorded live and widely circulated.

Delegates from Latin America and the Caribbean joined Bosch in leaving the room in protest.

Rocha stated that, in direct response, he had ordered the immediate suspension of the sash ceremony to avoid further interaction between the host executive and those present.

He announced that Mr Itsaragrisil’s involvement in the official Miss Universe activities will be “very limited or null,” and that chief executive Mario Búcaro has been tasked with issuing a corporate communication outlining legal and contractual measures under way.

A senior executive team from the Miss Universe organisation is being dispatched to Bangkok to oversee logistics, contestant welfare and to restore control over operations previously managed by Mr Itsaragrisil’s company.

“The only ones who should shine are our delegates,” Rocha said, “No one else has the right to steal their spotlight.”

The incident comes against a backdrop of reported tensions between the Miss Universe organisation and its Thai partner.

Local press have documented months of disagreement over event management and sponsorship rights.

Thai authorities have also opened an inquiry into possible advertising violations after online-casino promotions were allegedly filmed at the delegates’ hotel.

For Rocha, who acquired a controlling stake in the Miss Universe franchise earlier this year via Legacy Holding Group, the controversy strikes at the heart of his stated mission: to modernise the pageant while safeguarding its contestants.

“The values of respect and dignity are not negotiable,” he affirmed.

With rehearsals still ongoing ahead of the November 21 finale, this year’s competition may increasingly be defined not just by evening gowns and smiling faces, but by questions of governance, transparency and the treatment of women on the global stage.

The Miss Universe Organisation reiterated its commitment to safe, respectful and professional treatment of participants, stating that “together, we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of respect, safety and integrity for all participants, staff and stakeholders.”