Thai Pageant Director Nawat Itsaragrisil Apologises After Public Reprimand of Miss Mexico
Following a live confrontation at a Miss Universe 2025 sash ceremony, the Thai executive issues a public apology for his comments and actions.
A formal apology has been issued by Thai pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil after he publicly rebuked Mexican contestant Fátima Bosch during a pre-event meeting for the Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Bangkok.
According to video footage, at a sash-ceremony briefing he questioned Bosch for failing to attend a sponsor shoot, instructed her to stand and explain herself on camera, subsequently called her “tonta” (Spanish for “dumb”), and then called security to remove her from the room.
The confrontation triggered a walk-out by dozens of delegates, including the reigning title-holder, Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig.
In a livestreamed address, Mr Itsaragrisil stated: “If anyone felt not good, if anyone was uncomfortable or affected, I apologise.
I have already spoken to and apologised to the seventy-five girls in the room.” He went on to explain that the misunderstanding grew out of confusion surrounding a request for social-media promotional content and that none of the contestants were to blame for the ambiguity.
He also said the security intervention was intended to ensure “five-star” service and delegate safety.
Ms Bosch subsequently told the press that she holds deep respect for Thailand and its people but described the director’s conduct as “not respectful.” She emphasised the moment as one of empowerment: “I think the world needs to see this… we are empowered women and no one can shut our voice.” The national Miss Universe Mexico organisation issued a statement reinforcing that “respect is not optional.
Empowerment isn’t a trend.
It’s our right.”
The incident has put the spotlight on broader operational tensions between the Miss Universe Organisation and its Thai partner team, including reports of other disputes and investigations into sponsorship-related content.
As rehearsals continue ahead of the November 21 final, the organisation has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding “the highest standards of respect, safety and integrity for all participants, staff and stakeholders.”
Despite the turbulence, Ms Bosch remains in Bangkok and is continuing her preparations to represent Mexico in the pageant, supported by a widespread wave of solidarity from international delegates and pageant fans alike.
According to video footage, at a sash-ceremony briefing he questioned Bosch for failing to attend a sponsor shoot, instructed her to stand and explain herself on camera, subsequently called her “tonta” (Spanish for “dumb”), and then called security to remove her from the room.
The confrontation triggered a walk-out by dozens of delegates, including the reigning title-holder, Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig.
In a livestreamed address, Mr Itsaragrisil stated: “If anyone felt not good, if anyone was uncomfortable or affected, I apologise.
I have already spoken to and apologised to the seventy-five girls in the room.” He went on to explain that the misunderstanding grew out of confusion surrounding a request for social-media promotional content and that none of the contestants were to blame for the ambiguity.
He also said the security intervention was intended to ensure “five-star” service and delegate safety.
Ms Bosch subsequently told the press that she holds deep respect for Thailand and its people but described the director’s conduct as “not respectful.” She emphasised the moment as one of empowerment: “I think the world needs to see this… we are empowered women and no one can shut our voice.” The national Miss Universe Mexico organisation issued a statement reinforcing that “respect is not optional.
Empowerment isn’t a trend.
It’s our right.”
The incident has put the spotlight on broader operational tensions between the Miss Universe Organisation and its Thai partner team, including reports of other disputes and investigations into sponsorship-related content.
As rehearsals continue ahead of the November 21 final, the organisation has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding “the highest standards of respect, safety and integrity for all participants, staff and stakeholders.”
Despite the turbulence, Ms Bosch remains in Bangkok and is continuing her preparations to represent Mexico in the pageant, supported by a widespread wave of solidarity from international delegates and pageant fans alike.
