A group of Miss Universe contestants walked out of a pre-pageant event in Thailand on Tuesday, 4 November 2025 after Miss Universe Mexico, Fátima Bosch, was publicly confronted by Nawat Itsaragrisil, a senior figure in the pageant industry.
The incident took place during a sash ceremony in Bangkok, which was livestreamed on Facebook.
During the event, Nawat Itsaragrisil, the Miss Universe Vice President for Asia and Oceania and President of Miss Grand International, questioned contestants about not completing required promotional posts for the host country.
After several minutes of asking delegates to identify themselves, he addressed Miss Mexico directly, saying:
“Mexico, where are you?”
He then accused her of refusing to post about Thailand:
“I heard you did not agree to post everything about the host country. Is it true?”
When Fátima Bosch attempted to explain, he interrupted her and said: “If you follow the orders from your national director, you are a dumb head.”
Bosch replied:
“You are not respecting me as a woman.”
Shortly afterwards, Itsaragrisil called security and instructed them to remove her from the room.
The move prompted protests from several contestants. Many stood up, and some walked out in support of Miss Mexico.
Among them was the reigning Miss Universe, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark, who said as she left:
“This is about women’s rights. To treat another contestant like this is disrespectful.”
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) issued a video statement on 4 November 2025, delivered by its President, Raúl Rocha Cantú. He criticised Itsaragrisil’s behaviour, stating: “He humiliated and insulted Fátima Bosch, and he called security to intimidate a defenceless woman.”
Cantú added that Itsaragrisil had “forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a host” and confirmed that his role in the 2025 pageant would be restricted or removed entirely.
He announced that MUO had sent international executives to oversee the competition and that “corporate and legal actions” would follow.
The Miss Universe Mexico Organization released a statement condemning the incident, writing: “No woman deserves to be insulted or humiliated under any circumstance.” It added that Mexico supported Fátima Bosch and praised her for acting with dignity.
Following widespread criticism, Itsaragrisil issued a recorded message on social media, saying: “If anyone felt uncomfortable or affected, I apologise to everyone.” He disputed the wording attributed to him, claiming he meant to say “damage” rather than “dumb head.”
Despite the dispute, Miss Universe activities continued in Thailand on 5 November with a scheduled welcome event.
The final competition is due to take place on 21 November 2025 in Pak Kret, Thailand, with 122 delegates competing.
