Miss Universe Director Nawat Itsaragrisil Publicly Insults Miss Mexico, Sparking Contestants’ Walkout

Multiple outlets report that a live-streamed Miss Universe pre-event in Thailand erupted when Thai pageant director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly berated Mexico’s Fátima Bosch over promotional obligations.

“Fatima Bosch said Nawat Itsaragrisil was "not respectful" at a pre-pageant ceremony on Tuesday Several contestants have walked out of a Miss Universe event after an official from host nation Thailand publicly berated Miss Mexico in a tense confrontation”

BBC

Nawat then involved security, prompting a mass walkout.

BBC

BBC says Nawat “publicly berated” Bosch for not posting promotional content, and when she objected he “called security,” after which several contestants—including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig—left in solidarity.

The Miss Universe Organization condemned the conduct as humiliating and intimidating, and Nawat later apologized.

Newsweek likewise reports he reprimanded Bosch “for missing a sponsor shoot” and “ordered security to remove her,” which led to social media outrage with hashtags #StandWithMexico and #JusticeForFatima, as well as a walkout.

Its president Raul Rocha stressed dignity for all participants and noted events would proceed.

The Independent describes Nawat calling her “dumb” for not posting required Thailand promotions and ordering security to remove her.

Hindustan Times reports he called her a “dumbhead” during the live-streamed sash ceremony.

VnExpress adds that after he interrupted Bosch, called security, and ordered her to sit, some contestants—including Theilvig—walked out.

Bosch later said she was silenced and insulted.

Who Nawat is and even what year’s pageant this involved are described inconsistently across outlets.

Primetimer identifies him as the Miss Universe Thailand director and notes he later claimed he was misunderstood and even denied calling security.

Bombay Times

The Daily Star and News.au call him the Vice President for Asia and Oceania of the Miss Universe Organisation.

People describes him more broadly as holding leadership roles in Miss Grand International and Miss Universe Thailand.

The event timing is also split: Newsweek frames it around the upcoming Miss Universe 2024 in Thailand.

The Independent and NewsBreak place it under Miss Universe 2025.

All agree it happened in Bangkok, Thailand.

However, Daily Mail oddly references the Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador while simultaneously describing a live-streamed event in Bangkok, reflecting confusion in that tabloid report.

The Miss Universe Organization’s response has been swift but unevenly described.

“The article announces a giveaway offering participants a chance to win access to a copywriting course”

Briefly News

BBC reports that the organization condemned Nawat’s "malicious" humiliation and intimidation of Bosch, stating it would limit or remove his involvement and pursue legal action.

Philstar and The Express Tribune both say the organization restricted his participation for Miss Universe 2025, with the possibility of fully revoking his access.

Primetimer adds that the ceremony was postponed, his involvement restricted, legal and corporate actions launched, and senior executives sent to Thailand.

By contrast, Newsweek and Daily Mail say the organization confirmed all events would continue as planned.

PhilSTAR L!fe and GMA News Online note that the organization is dispatching a high-level delegation—PhilSTAR L!fe specifies CEO Mario Bucaro—to ensure respect, safety, and integrity during the remaining events.

Contestant solidarity and broader messaging were central in coverage of the event.

BBC notes reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig joined the walkout and called the protest a stand for women’s rights.

CNA Lifestyle

News.au reports that dozens walked out despite threats of disqualification, framing it as a stand for women’s rights.

The New York Post describes over a dozen contestants leaving as Theilvig vowed not to return to the sash ceremony, calling for greater respect and women’s rights.

Wake Up Singapore highlights the act’s online praise as empowering.

Mexico News Daily adds a diplomatic angle: the Mexican Embassy in Thailand is monitoring the situation and offering assistance to Bosch, while former winners in Mexico voiced support.

PhilSTAR L!fe and Miss Universe Mexico statements emphasize that respect and dignity for women are non-negotiable organizational values.

After widespread outrage, Nawat apologized, but his explanations and key facts remain disputed.

“The Miss Universe 2025 pageant is facing controversy after a video emerged showing a heated confrontation between Thai businessman Nawat Itsaragrisil, the local director and vice president for Asia and Oceania, and Fátima Bosch, Mexico's contestant”

CubaHeadlines

BBC reports he denied calling Bosch “dumb,” claiming a misunderstanding.

CubaHeadlines

The Independent, Daily Caller, and Hindustan Times, however, report variations of the insult such as “dumb,” “dummy,” and “dumbhead.”

Primetimer says Nawat denied calling security and said he felt unsafe, while VnExpress and BBC both report he “called security.”

Wake Up Singapore characterizes his apology as vague and inadequate.

The Filipino Times says he expressed regret and would meet MUO executives, noting no MUO officials were present at the incident.

On scheduling, even dates differ: The Express Tribune says the 2025 pageant is November 21 in Bangkok.

News.au says the 74th Miss Universe pageant airs November 20.

The Filipino Times says the 2024 finals are on November 21, an unresolved discrepancy in coverage.