A number of Miss Universe contestants departed a pre-pageant ceremony in Thailand after the event's director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, publicly criticized Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch. The incident, which was live-streamed, occurred when Mr. Itsaragrisil reprimanded Ms. Bosch for not posting promotional content. After Ms. Bosch objected, Mr. Itsaragrisil reportedly called security and issued a warning of disqualification to any contestants showing support. Ms. Bosch subsequently left the event, joined by several other contestants. The Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) has since condemned Mr. Itsaragrisil's conduct, and he has issued an apology.
Incident Details
During a pre-pageant ceremony held on Tuesday, Nawat Itsaragrisil, the director for Miss Universe Thailand, addressed Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, regarding her perceived failure to post required promotional content. Reports indicate that Mr. Itsaragrisil raised his voice during the exchange, instructing Ms. Bosch to cease speaking. When Ms. Bosch voiced her objection, Mr. Itsaragrisil reportedly called security personnel to the stage and warned contestants that those who supported Ms. Bosch risked disqualification, stating, "If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down. If you step out, the rest of the girls continue." Following this, Ms. Bosch departed the room, and several other contestants joined her in solidarity.
Aftermath and Statements
The Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) has issued a statement condemning Mr. Itsaragrisil's actions, characterizing his behavior as "malicious." MUO President Raul Rocha stated that Mr. Itsaragrisil "forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host" and had "humiliated, insulted and showed a lack of respect" to Ms. Bosch. Mr. Rocha also cited a "serious abuse of having called security to intimidate a defenceless woman." The MUO has sent a delegation of international executives to oversee the competition, indicating that Mr. Itsaragrisil's involvement in the pageant would be significantly reduced or eliminated. The organization also stated it would be pursuing "legal actions."
Ms. Bosch reported to the press that Mr. Itsaragrisil was "not respectful" and had called her "dumb" or a "dumbhead." Mr. Itsaragrisil has disputed this, claiming his words were misunderstood and later stating he meant she had caused "damage."
Contestant Response and Apology
Among those who departed the event in support of Ms. Bosch was the reigning Miss Universe, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark. Ms. Theilvig commented, "This is about women's rights... To trash another girl is beyond disrespectful." Ms. Bosch later stated in an interview, "I'm not afraid to make my voice heard," and asserted, "I'm not a doll to be made up, styled and have my clothes changed. I came here to be a voice for all the women."
Mr. Itsaragrisil subsequently released a social media video statement, apologizing for the incident. He stated, "If anyone feels bad, uncomfortable, or affected, I apologise to everyone. I especially apologised to the girls who were present, around 75 of them."