The Mexican TV host and Miss Universe 2021 winner criticized Nawat Itsaragrisil’s disrespectful behavior towards Miss Mexico, calling it “unacceptable.” Videos of Fátima Bosch, Miss Universe Mexico, being treated disrespectfully by Nawat Itsaragrisil, the director of the pageant in Thailand, quickly spread online.
Many public figures have voiced their support for the Mexican contestant. Beauty queens such as Victoria Kjaer Theilvig (the current Miss Universe), Sheynnis Palacios, Ximena Navarrete, and Jacky Bracamontes expressed their outrage and commended Fátima’s courageous response. Now, Andrea Meza, who was Miss Universe 2020, has also spoken out.
On November 5, Andrea addressed the unfortunate incident during her appearance on "La Mesa Caliente" (Telemundo). She explained that she had waited until now to share her position, “considering the important and delicate role I have this year as part of the Miss Universe selection committee in Thailand.”
“The recent incident is deeply regrettable and does not reflect the values or spirit of the Miss Universe Organization,” Andrea said in her statement. “What Nawat did is unacceptable and completely contradicts the respect, integrity, and fairness that this pageant represents.”
She added, “I know appropriate measures are already being taken to protect all contestants and to uphold the integrity of a competition that has transformed the lives of thousands of women around the world, including mine.” Andrea, who was crowned in May 2021 after the 2020 event was postponed due to the pandemic, also used the opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of respect within the pageant community.
“Moments like this remind us why spaces that empower women must continue to defend respect, justice, and empathy above all,” Andrea continued. She then directed a message to this year’s contestants: “Know that your voice matters, your strength inspires, and your courage reflects the true purpose of these platforms—to celebrate women who lead with confidence, heart, and dignity. And I assure you, I promise you, that as part of this year’s selection committee, I will choose the best candidate to wear the Miss Universe crown.”
The night before, Andrea had shared on her Instagram Stories a video posted on the official Miss Universe page in which Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha, co-owner and president of the Miss Universe Organization, addressed the controversy. “Dignity and respect are never negotiable,” the Telemundo host wrote alongside the clip.
Legal Action to Be Taken Against Nawat Itsaragrisil
After the uproar caused by the incident between Fátima Bosch and Nawat Itsaragrisil during the gathering, Raúl Rocha released a statement expressing regret and showing his support and solidarity with both Fátima and all the contestants. He also announced that the Thai businessman’s involvement in the competition would be minimal.
“I have limited Nawat’s participation in events that are part of the 74th Miss Universe edition—his involvement will be extremely restricted or even null,” Rocha declared.
Furthermore, Rocha stated that legal and corporate actions would follow. “I have instructed our CEO, Mario Búcaro, to issue a statement on behalf of the Miss Universe Organization detailing all corporate and legal measures that will be taken as a consequence of the malicious acts committed by Nawat. We will not allow anyone to harm or destroy the dreams of the many women who traveled from all over the world to be here,” he concluded.