A senior Miss Universe executive has faced backlash after publicly berating Miss Mexico during a pre-pageant event in Thailand, just weeks before the global competition.
The official Miss Universe 2025 pageant is scheduled for November 21, but tensions are already brewing as contestants take part in promotional activities ahead of the big night.
Heated confrontation during live-streamed event
On November 3, Miss Universe executive Nawat Itsaragrisil addressed the contestants during a meeting that was broadcast live on the Miss Universe Facebook page.
The session quickly escalated when he confronted Fátima Bosch, this year’s representative for Mexico, accusing her of failing to participate in a promotional photoshoot intended to highlight Thailand, the host country.
Itsaragrisil claimed that Bosch’s absence was due to instructions from Mexico’s national pageant director, though Bosch reportedly denied the allegation.
As she attempted to explain her side, the executive repeatedly interrupted her, demanding that she confirm whether she would promote Thailand on social media.
Eyewitnesses told PEOPLE that at one point, Itsaragrisil appeared to call Bosch a “dummy,” a remark that stunned both Bosch and other contestants in the room.
Miss Mexico stands her ground
Despite being dismissed by the executive, Bosch stood her ground and attempted to finish her statement.
The exchange grew increasingly tense when Itsaragrisil asked: “I still keep talking to everybody, why you still stand up to talk to me?”
Bosch responded firmly, saying: “Because I have a voice. You are not respecting me as a woman.”
As the confrontation continued, Itsaragrisil reportedly called for security to remove Bosch from the room, prompting an audible reaction from other contestants, many of whom could be heard saying “no” in protest.
Before leaving, Bosch addressed him directly, saying: “As women, you need to show respect for us.
"I’m here representing a country and it’s not my fault that you have problems with my organization.”
Contestants walk out in solidarity
Several contestants reportedly stood up and followed Bosch out of the room in solidarity.
Among them was Victoria Kjær Theilvig, the current Miss Universe titleholder, who was seen leaving alongside Bosch.
Itsaragrisil urged the remaining contestants to sit down, warning them that leaving could jeopardize their participation in the competition. However, others continued to express concern over how the situation had been handled.
Miss Bonaire was filmed appealing for calm, encouraging Itsaragrisil to defuse the situation.
“We can fix this. We can bring her back,” she said. “We’re having such a great time in Thailand. This is such a great place. You’re doing everything right. Let’s get her to come back.”
Executive issues public apology
Following the incident, Nawat Itsaragrisil released a video statement on social media apologizing for his behavior.
“If anyone was feeling not good, if anyone was not comfortable, if anyone was affected, I do apologize for everyone,” he said.
He added that he had also apologized in person to the contestants who were present during the heated exchange.
The Miss Universe Organization has not issued a separate statement regarding the confrontation, but the incident has sparked widespread discussion online, with fans and viewers calling for greater respect and professionalism toward contestants ahead of one of the world’s most-watched beauty competitions.