What a commotion at Miss Universe! Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch dominating headlines and social media after a tense exchange with Thai businessman Nawat Itsaragrisil, who currently holds executive positions within both the Miss Universe Organization and Miss Universe Thailand, in addition to serving as president of Miss Grand International.
The scandal began on Monday, November 3, during the sash ceremony, when Nawat reportedly called the Mexican model a “dumb head,” an expression that means “fool” or “empty-headed.”
In a viral TikTok video, the exact moment of the argument can be seen as Bosch tells him: “We respect you, just as you should respect us. I’m here representing my country, and it’s not my fault you have problems with my organization.” The executive replied: “No, you must listen to me first, then argue with me.” Moments later, Bosch stood up and left the room while Nawat ordered: “Stop. Security.” Several contestants, including the current Miss Universe, Denmark’s Victoria Kjær, followed her out of the venue in solidarity.
According to the outlet N+, Nawat had questioned Fátima for not posting on social media about the host country, Thailand. Bosch reportedly clarified that it was a misunderstanding, but the businessman then delivered the phrase that ignited the controversy: “If you follow your national director’s orders, you’re a dumb head.” The comment caused outrage not only from Bosch but also from other participants who decided to stand by her.
Fátima Bosch Breaks Her Silence After the Incident With Nawat Itsaragrisil
Refusing to stay quiet, Fátima Bosch spoke to the press alongside Miss Universe Iraq, Hanin Al Qoreishy. In another viral video, she can be heard saying that what the director did was disrespectful, adding: “He called me dumb because he has issues with the organization, and I think that’s unfair.” Bosch also emphasized that her reaction was a defense of all the women in the pageant: “I think the world needs to see this, because we are empowered women and this platform is for our voices. No one can silence it. No one will silence me.” She ended with a phrase that has already gone viral as a symbolic message of dignity: “It doesn’t matter if you have a big dream or a crown. If it takes away your dignity, you should walk away.”
Meanwhile, Victoria Kjær also spoke to the media and impressed everyone with her strong stance: “This is about women’s rights. We respect everyone, but this is not how things should be handled. Insulting another contestant is a huge lack of respect, and I would never do that. That’s why I’m putting on my coat and leaving.”
The Miss Universe Organization Releases a Statement
Amid the growing controversy, the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to respect and safety for all participants. “The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) reaffirms its commitment to work closely with the host community, the Miss Grand International Organization (MGI), and all local partners to ensure the success of the 74th edition of the pageant. A high-level delegation, led by the MUO’s CEO, Mr. Mario Búcaro, is traveling to Thailand to strengthen collaboration with the host country, MGI, and relevant authorities. All scheduled events and activities will take place as planned, reaffirming our shared goal of delivering a global celebration that reflects the values of diversity, empowerment, and inclusion that define the legacy of Miss Universe.”
The conflict has generated a wave of support for Fátima Bosch, especially on social media, where thousands of users have praised her courage for standing up for dignity and respect within the pageant. At the same time, the solidarity shown by Miss Universe and other contestants reinforces the message of female empowerment that the competition seeks to promote. What began as an altercation between a beauty queen and an executive could become a turning point for the global pageant industry.
Nawat Itsaragrisil Apologizes for Insulting Fatima Bosch
Nawat Itsaragrisil issued a public apology for his behavior during a press conference on November 5, 2025.
“I am human. I didn’t want to do anything like that,” he said, according to USA Today.
Nawat also apologized to the contestants at a ceremony later that day.
“I want to take this opportunity to say something about something that’s happened. Because I am a human,” Nawat added. “I think you must understand the pressure is a lot, I am a human sometimes. I cannot control. By the way, I have not intend[ed] to hurt anyone.”
Turning and bowing to the women, Nawat said, “I have to apologize for the delegates.”
Miss Universe President Restricts Nawat Itsaragrisil’s Participation in Events
In a video posted via social media on November 4, 2025, Miss Universe president Raúl Rocha revealed that Nawat’s participation in events related to the 74th Miss Universe competition would be “restricted,” “limiting it as much as possible or eliminating it entirely.”
Additionally, Rocha postponed the sash presentation ceremony “to avoid any interaction with Nawat” and demanded that Búcaro issue a statement detailing the “legal actions” that the Miss Universe Organization would “undertake as a result of the malicious acts committed by Nawat.”
Rocha also announced that Miss Universe would be dissociating from Miss Grand International, as his trust in MGI “failed under the unfortunate leadership of Nawat.”