Miss Universe Embroiled in Scandal After Exec Berates Contestant

In a powerful show of solidarity for their Miss Universe 2025 sister, candidates walk out after Nawat Itsaragrisil, MUO Vice President for Asia and Oceania and President of Miss Grand International, berates Miss Universe Mexico, Fátima Bosch, calling her “dumb” during a pre-pageant event in Thailand.

Miss Universe Embroiled in Scandal After Exec Berates Contestant

By Bing Jabadan – TheNationWeek.Com | November 5, 2025

BANGKOK, Thailand — The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) is scrambling to contain a public relations crisis after a video surfaced showing a high-ranking executive berating Miss Universe Mexico, Fátima Bosch, during a pre-pageant event in Thailand.

The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage online, raises serious questions about the organization’s commitment to empowering women, with many critics suggesting that a focus on business is overshadowing its purported values.

The controversy erupted during a live-streamed event on Nov. 4, where Nawat Itsaragrisil, MUO vice president for Asia and Oceania and president of Miss Grand International, publicly confronted Bosch, 25, over an alleged failure to fulfill promotional obligations.

In the video, Itsaragrisil can be heard accusing Bosch of disregarding the host country and calling her “dumb” for following instructions from her national director.

The situation escalated when Itsaragrisil ordered security to remove Bosch from the event, prompting audible protests from other contestants.

“You are not respecting me as a woman,” Bosch asserted during the confrontation, a statement that has resonated across social media.

The incident has drawn sharp criticism for Itsaragrisil’s aggressive and demeaning treatment of Bosch.

Critics argue that his actions contradict the MUO’s stated mission of empowering women and providing a platform for them to advocate for important causes.

Miss Universe Responds, Condemns ‘Malicious Acts’

In response to the outcry, Miss Universe President Raúl Rocha Cantú released a video condemning Itsaragrisil’s behavior as “malicious acts” and a “serious abuse” of power.

Cantú emphasized Itsaragrisil’s obligation to support and assist the delegates, not to “intimidate a defenseless woman.”

The MUO has taken swift action, restricting Itsaragrisil’s participation in the upcoming Miss Universe 2025 pageant, scheduled for Nov. 21 in Pak Kret, Thailand.

Cantú also vowed further “corporate and legal actions” against Itsaragrisil.

Contestants Show Solidarity

The incident has ignited a wave of support for Bosch from fellow contestants.

Reigning Miss Universe, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark, publicly defended Bosch, stating, “Standing up for yourself is not always easy, but it is one of the most important acts of self-respect and strength you can show.”

She added, “Enough is enough, and our voices will be heard loud and clear!”

Videos circulating on social media show several contestants appearing to walk out of the event in protest of Itsaragrisil’s actions.

Miss Universe Bonaire 2025, Nicole Peiliker-Visser, reportedly entreated Itsaragrisil to bring Bosch back into the room and address the issue.

“I am a Businessman”

Itsaragrisil’s own words have fueled the controversy.

During the confrontation, he repeatedly emphasized his business interests, stating, “I am a businessman. I have a lot of money. I have a lot of business. The legal contract is internationally legal.”

The statement has been interpreted by many as prioritizing financial obligations over the well-being and respect for contestants.

The incident has raised serious questions about the MUO’s values and priorities.

Critics argue that Itsaragrisil’s actions demonstrate a disconnect between the organization’s stated mission of empowering women and its actual practices.

Damage Control in Progress

While Itsaragrisil has since offered a vague apology on TikTok, the damage to the Miss Universe brand may have already been done.

The organization faces a significant challenge in regaining public trust and reaffirming its commitment to empowering women in the face of this scandal.

The upcoming Miss Universe 2025 pageant will be closely watched to see how the MUO addresses the controversy and demonstrates its commitment to creating a safe and respectful environment for all contestants.