The Miss Universe 2025 competition has been full of glamour, ambition, and cultural pride, but one incident shook the stage far beyond the spotlight. Thai pageant director Nawat Itsaragrisil found himself at the center of controversy after publicly insulting Fátima Bosch, Miss Universe Mexico, during a gathering in Thailand. What followed was a wave of global criticism, emotional apologies, and a conversation about accountability in the beauty pageant world.
During the welcome ceremony for the 122 contestants, Nawat took the stage again, not as a proud organizer, but as a man burdened by regret. Fighting back tears, he addressed the media and the contestants: “I want to apologize to everyone. I had no idea how big this issue would become,” he said, visibly emotional as an assistant handed him a tissue.
It was his third public apology since the incident, following a livestream statement on social media. Yet despite these efforts, the Thai director has not personally apologized to Fátima Bosch, the woman he humiliated in front of an international audience.
Many pageant fans and fellow contestants have voiced their disappointment online, urging Nawat to face Fátima directly. His words, calling her “stupid” and “empty-headed,” were not just inappropriate but deeply disrespectful in a competition built on empowerment and global unity.
The Official Response
Raúl Rocha Cantú, president and co-owner of Miss Universe, responded swiftly, announcing that Nawat’s future participation in official events would be limited. Still, Nawat appeared at the ceremony to issue another apology, this time bowing before the contestants in a gesture of remorse.
While some praised his willingness to show emotion and admit fault, others saw it as an attempt to manage damage control rather than genuine accountability. The tension lingered, and questions remained: why had he not apologized directly to Fátima?
What Sparked the Outburst?
The chaos began during the sash ceremony, a usually elegant tradition where contestants receive their country bands. According to reports, Nawat became irritated when Fátima chose not to participate in a promotional voting contest he had organized. The contest promised a private dinner with him for the top ten most-voted contestants, a marketing move typical of his other pageant, Miss Grand International.
However, Miss Universe has stricter standards. The organization quickly clarified that the contest was not part of the official agenda, noting that contestants were under no obligation to take part. Nawat, in turn, claimed the activity was part of local marketing for Thailand’s hosting.
Caught between conflicting messages, several contestants—including Fátima—decided to consult with their national directors before joining, to avoid a conflict of interest. That hesitation, apparently, was enough to trigger Nawat’s anger.
A History of Controversy
This is not Nawat Itsaragrisil’s first time facing criticism. His own pageant, Miss Grand International, has been marred by scandal. Just last year, Rachel Gupta, the reigning titleholder, resigned, accusing organizers—including Nawat—of physical, professional, and psychological harassment.
That history has made many viewers skeptical about his leadership style and his influence in the global pageant scene. The Miss Universe Organization’s move to limit his role seems to reflect growing concerns about aligning with his management approach.
Despite the drama, the contestants continued with grace, embodying the spirit of Miss Universe. The focus has shifted from Nawat’s tears to what the pageant truly represents.
For now, the public waits for a direct apology to Fátima Bosch.
Miss Universe 2025, the 74th edition of the annual pageant, will be held on November 21, 2025, at the Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi. Reigning Queen Victoria Theilvig of Denmark will pass on her crown in what was promised to be a night of empowerment and evolution.
Thailand has been officially selected as the host country for the Miss Universe competition, having outbid Argentina, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Morocco, India, South Africa, and Spain. This marks Thailand's fourth time hosting the event and the third occasion it will take place at Impact Challenger Hall, a venue that also hosted the competition in 2005 and 2018.