The Miss Universe Organization has shared a statement following a controversy involving Miss Mexico and Nawat Itsaragrisil, the president of Miss Grand International. In various posts shared on her Instagram stories, Fátima Bosch, this year's Miss Mexico, accepted the support of her followers and fellow contestants, who claimed that Nawat had disrespected her, prompting her to stand up for herself and walk out of the venue in Thailand.
Miss Universe has shared its first official statement, sharing that the matter would be further investigated and that the contest's timeline would remain unaltered for the time being.
"The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) reaffirms its commitment to working closely with the host community, the Miss Grand International (MGI), and al local partners to ensure the continued success of the 74th Miss Universe competition," reads the opening paragraph.
The organization then revealed that a high-level delegation led by Mario Búcaro, MUO's Chief Executive Officer, was on its way to Thailand. "This mission aims to coordinate efforts, ensure a secure and professional environment for all delegates, and reaffirms MUO's commitment to transparency, respect, and unity."
Miss Universe also made it clear that despite what happened between Bosch and Nawat, the pageant's agenda would continue on as planned. "All scheduled events and activities will continue as planned, in full cooperation with the host country and MGI, reaffirming our shared goal of delivering an excelptional global celebration that reflects the values of diversity, empowermnt, and inclusion that define the Miss Universe legacy."
You can read their statement in full below.
What happened between Bosch and Nawat?
The incident between Bosch and Nawat took place in a meeting that gathered all of the pageant's participants. In videos shared online, Nawat publicly reprimanded her, prompting an outcry from the women in the room.
Bosch stood up for herself and argued against Nawat, leaving the room and discussing the moment with the press. "What your director did is not respectful. He called me dumb because he has problems with the organization and I think that's not fair," said Bosch. "I'm here and I do everything okay. I don't mess with anyone. I just try to be kind."
"The world needs to see this," she continued. "Because we are empowered women and this is a platform for our voice. No one can shut our voice. And no one will do that to me."