Miss Universe executive Nawat Itsaragrisil has publicly apologized after insulting Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch. The incident quickly went viral across social media platforms.
Itsaragrisil, a 60-year-old Thai television personality, expressed remorse during a press conference on Wednesday, November 5. He stated, “I am human. I didn’t mean to do any of that,” according to USA Today.
Reports indicate Itsaragrisil broke down in tears while speaking with the press.
He extended his apologies directly to contestants at a ceremony held earlier the same day. He acknowledged the immense pressure he faces, saying, “I am human sometimes. I cannot control it. By the way, I have not intended to hurt anyone.”
Itsaragrisil then turned and bowed to the delegates, also apologizing to Miss Universe fans and anyone affected by the situation.
The controversy began earlier in the week during a sash ceremony. Itsaragrisil referred to the 25-year-old Mexican model as “cabeza hueca,” a Spanish term meaning “silly” or “empty-headed.”
Images of the tense exchange circulated online. Bosch confronted Itsaragrisil, saying, “We respect you, just as you should respect us. I am here representing my country, and it is not my fault that you have problems with my organization.”
Itsaragrisil replied, “No, you must listen to me first and then discuss with me.”
According to N+, Itsaragrisil questioned why Bosch was not posting about Thailand, the host country, on social media. Despite Bosch’s attempts to explain it was a misunderstanding, he retorted, “If you follow your national director’s orders, you are an empty-headed person.”
Bosch walked out of the room in protest, joined in solidarity by many fellow contestants, including the reigning Miss Universe, Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig.
Speaking to the media after the incident, Bosch declared, “He called me silly because he has problems with the organization, and I think it’s unfair.” She emphasized the platform for empowered women: “Nobody can silence it. Nobody will silence me.”
Bosch concluded her statement, advising, “It doesn’t matter if you have a great dream or a crown. If it takes away your dignity, you must leave.”
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) released a statement ensuring fans of their commitment to participant safety and respect.
The statement reaffirmed MUO’s dedication to working with the host community and Miss Grand International Organization (MGI). It highlighted the goal of ensuring the success of the 74th edition of the pageant.
MUO announced a high-level delegation, led by Executive Director Mario Búcaro, would travel to Thailand. This visit aims to strengthen collaboration and affirm the pageant’s values of diversity, empowerment, and inclusion.
Separately, Miss Universe President Raúl Rocha posted a video on social media on Tuesday, November 4. He announced that Itsaragrisil’s involvement in 74th Miss Universe events would be “restricted” or “completely eliminated.”
Rocha also postponed the sash ceremony specifically “to avoid any interaction with Nawat.” He demanded that Búcaro issue a statement detailing “legal actions” MUO would pursue against Itsaragrisil for his “malicious acts.”
Furthermore, Rocha announced the disengagement of Miss Grand International. He cited a loss of confidence in MGI “under Nawat’s unfortunate leadership.”