Miss Universe executive Nawat Itsaragrisil has been removed from this year’s competition following a tense exchange with Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch. The incident has sparked significant controversy and raised questions about the conduct of officials involved in the pageant.
Miss Universe president Raúl Rocha confirmed the decision in a video shared on social media. He stated that Nawat’s involvement in the events of the 74th Miss Universe competition would be restricted as much as possible or eliminated entirely. Rocha criticized Nawat’s actions, expressing “great indignation” over the “public aggression he committed against Bosch.” He emphasized that the values of respect and dignity for women must not be compromised. “Nawat, you need to stop,” Rocha said in the video.
Nawat Itsaragrisil (3rd, left), executive director of the Miss Universe 2025 pageant, poses for photos with contestants of the beauty contest on Nov. 3, 2025. Photo from Itsaragrisil’s Facebook
The conflict came to light during the sashing ceremony on Tuesday. Nawat, who also serves as the head of Miss Grand International (MGI), was seen reprimanding Bosch in front of other contestants. He accused her of not adequately promoting Thailand, suggesting that her director had instructed her to undermine the host country’s image. According to reports, he reportedly called Bosch a “dumbhead” and ordered security to escort her out of the room when she attempted to respond.
Several contestants walked out in solidarity with Bosch, leading officials to threaten disqualification if they did not return. The situation escalated quickly, drawing attention from both participants and the public.
The next day, during the welcoming ceremony, Nawat publicly apologized for his actions. He expressed that he had no intention of hurting anyone and affirmed his respect for all contestants. “I have to say I’m very sorry,” he said onstage, addressing the participants, including Bosch, who stood beside him.
This incident has sparked discussions about the behavior of pageant executives and the importance of maintaining a respectful environment for all participants. The Miss Universe organization has taken swift action to address the issue, emphasizing their commitment to upholding the values of the competition.
Key Details of the Incident
- Date and Event: The confrontation occurred during the sashing ceremony on Tuesday.
- Participants Involved: Nawat Itsaragrisil, Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch, and several other contestants.
- Alleged Actions: Nawat allegedly called Bosch a “dumbhead” and ordered her removal from the event.
- Contestants’ Reaction: Several contestants walked out in protest, prompting threats of disqualification.
- Apology: Nawat publicly apologized the following day, stating that he had not intended to cause harm.
Aftermath and Reactions
The incident has led to increased scrutiny of the conduct of pageant officials. While some supporters of Nawat have defended his actions, others have criticized the lack of professionalism displayed during the event. The Miss Universe organization has made it clear that such behavior will not be tolerated, reinforcing their commitment to maintaining the integrity of the competition.
As the pageant continues, the focus will likely shift to the upcoming events and the performances of the contestants. However, the controversy surrounding Nawat’s actions is expected to remain a topic of discussion among fans and critics alike.
Impact on the Pageant
- Reputation Concerns: The incident may affect the reputation of the Miss Universe organization.
- Public Perception: Fans and media outlets are closely watching how the organization handles the fallout.
- Future Conduct: The incident could lead to stricter guidelines for officials and participants in future competitions.
The events of the past few days serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment in any competitive setting. As the Miss Universe competition moves forward, the focus will be on ensuring that all participants feel valued and respected.