The Miss Universe drama is far from over. Less than a year after Thai pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil became a central figure in one of the most controversial moments of Miss Universe 2025, his name is once again at the center of a growing battle surrounding the organization.
This time, however, the dispute is bigger than a confrontation with a contestant. It involves corporate authority, competing Miss Universe factions, questions surrounding finances and even conflicting statements over whether Nawat has the right to represent part of the organization.
© Nawat ItsaragrisilThe situation escalated on September 8, when a statement attributed to the Miss Universe Organization publicly rejected Nawat's claimed authority within the organization. According to reports on the statement, it said Nawat holds no "employment, corporate, executive, operational or legal" position within Miss Universe Organization and that his recent public statements were unauthorized.
Then came another twist. On September 9, MU East issued its own statement and directly rejected that position, saying Nawat is, in fact, its duly appointed CEO.
MU East Defends Nawat Itsaragrisil in Miss Universe Dispute
MU East's September 9 statement makes clear just how divided the Miss Universe leadership battle has become. According to MU East, JKN Universe LLC, which does business as the Miss Universe Organization, has an equal 50-50 ownership structure between what it calls MU East and MU West through JKN Legacy Inc. "Neither side should present its own views as the agreed position of the whole Organization," MU East said.
MU East also said it had neither reviewed nor approved the September 8 statement challenging Nawat's authority. More importantly, it issued an unequivocal defense of the Thai businessman. "Mr. Nawat Itsaragrisil is the duly appointed CEO of MU East and a recognized Miss Universe franchise holder," the statement said, adding that MU East "fully recognizes and supports him in both roles."
The competing statements create an extraordinary situation as one side is effectively saying Nawat has no recognized executive authority within the Miss Universe Organization, while MU East says he is legitimately serving as its CEO.
Is Miss Universe 2026 in Puerto Rico Still Happening?
Despite the escalating corporate dispute, both sides are publicly indicating that Miss Universe 2026 is still moving forward. The September 8 statement said preparations for the 75th competition in San Juan were continuing and that there was "no intention or plan to postpone or cancel the event."
MU East's September 9 response similarly said it "remains committed to the successful staging of the 75th Miss Universe Pageant in Puerto Rico."
The Nawat and Miss Universe Drama Started Before 2026
The latest confrontation comes with significant history. During Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand, Nawat became embroiled in an explosive confrontation with Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch during a livestreamed pre-pageant event.
Bosch challenged Nawat after he criticized her over promotional responsibilities. Security became involved, and several contestants walked out in solidarity with Bosch. The controversy became international news.
© rrssBosch ultimately went on to win Miss Universe 2025.
Nawat later apologized, saying, "If anyone [was] feeling not good, if anyone [was] not comfortable, if anyone [was affected], I do apologize to everyone."
At the time, Miss Universe president Raúl Rocha strongly criticized Nawat's treatment of Bosch. Rocha accused him of humiliating and insulting the contestant and criticized the decision to call security during their confrontation.
© @sarinkp.officialThe relationship between Nawat and parts of the Miss Universe leadership has clearly not improved since then.
Could Miss Universe Thailand Be Caught in the Middle?
Another major question is what the corporate fight could mean for Miss Universe Thailand 2026.
Tharina Botes was crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2026 and is expected to represent Thailand at the 75th Miss Universe competition.
However, a September 4 statement from MU West said it was evaluating Thailand's participation in the upcoming competition. Representatives connected to the Miss Universe Thailand franchise, including Nawat and members of his team, had allegedly been denied access to a September 2 National Directors' Town Hall.
MU East responded by accusing the other side of unfair treatment of certain franchise partners and said legal action had been taken to protect the participation rights of MU East franchises and their delegates.
