Miss Universe row: Thai businessman apologises in tears after calling Miss Mexico ‘dumbhead’

Social media users have called for Nawat Itsaragrisil's removal from the Miss Universe Organixation, demanding a formal apology to Bosch and structural changes to protect contestants. (Image credit: X)

Thai businessman and Miss Universe executive director Nawat Itsaragrisil has issued a public apology after his confrontation with Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, triggered a walkout by several contestants and widespread backlash online. The incident occurred during a live-streamed sash ceremony in Thailand, where Itsaragrisil accused Bosch of disrespect and called her a “dummy” in front of fellow participants.

The New York Post reported that Itsaragrisil, 60, berated Bosch for allegedly refusing to participate in a promotional shoot and for following her country director’s advice not to post materials promoting the host nation. The exchange, which lasted four minutes, was broadcast live on Facebook by Miss Universe Thailand and has since gone viral.

“Mexico, where are you?” Itsaragrisil asked. “I heard you’re not going to support everything about Thailand, is that true?” When Bosch stood up to defend herself, she said: “Because I have a voice. You are not respecting me as a woman.”

Itsaragrisil responded by calling security to remove her from the room, prompting over a dozen contestants—including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig—to walk out in protest.

Nawat Itsaragrisil, director of the MGI pageant, faces criticism after publicly reprimanding and asking security to remove Miss Mexico from sash ceremony in Thailand.

Several delegate walked out in solidarity with Fátima Bosch. pic.twitter.com/XttGvHgoKZ

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— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) November 4, 2025

‘This is about women's rights': Miss Universe contestants demand accountability

Theilvig condemned the executive’s behaviour, telling reporters: “To trash another girl – it’s beyond disrespectful and it’s nothing I’ve ever done. That’s why I’m taking my coat and I’m going.”
She added: “This is about women’s rights. We need to do something bigger.”

Bosch later told the Miami Herald that she was called “stupid” and told to “shut up” despite doing everything right. “I don’t think that’s fair. I’m here doing everything right — I don’t bother anyone, I try to be kind, I’m doing my best — and he told me to shut up.”

‘I want to apologise to everyone': Nawat issues emotional statement 

In a press conference following the backlash, Itsaragrisil broke down in tears and issued a public apology.

“I want to apologise to everyone. I had no idea how big this issue would become,” he said, visibly emotional. He denied calling Bosch a “dumbhead,” claiming instead that he said she had caused “damage.” But, video footage and eyewitness accounts contradict his version of events.

Nawat Itsaragrisil, quien insultó a Miss México Fátima Bosch, y mandó a los de seguridad para retirarla, terminó como the Creator, expulsado del certamen más importante del mundo. pic.twitter.com/0Myinc45BI

— Helisut Córdova (@HelisutCordova) November 5, 2025

Miss Universe President Raúl Rocha Cantú confirmed that Itsaragrisil had “humiliated, insulted, and showed a lack of respect” and condemned the use of security to intimidate Bosch.

Cantú announced that newly appointed CEO Mario Búcaro would be sent to Thailand to oversee the remainder of the pageant, limiting Itsaragrisil’s involvement in the lead-up to the crowning ceremony on November 20.

‘No more Nawat’: Viewers call for removal

Social media users have called for Itsaragrisil’s removal from the Miss Universe Organisation, demanding a formal apology to Bosch and structural changes to protect contestants.

“NO MORE NAWAT. He needs to be OUT. You need to take action against him. This is the moment to protect our traditional and loved pageant,” one Instagram user wrote.

An X user commented, "The audacity of this man is absolutely unhinged. Watching Nawat humiliate Miss Mexico on stage like she was some kind of servant while the cameras rolled made my blood boil. The fact that other delegates had the spine to walk out in solidarity shows you exactly what kind of toxic."

"Bro really turned a beauty pageant into a power trip. 💀 Imagine embarrassing Miss Mexico on stage and thinking that’s leadership. No wonder contestants are walking out, respect goes both ways," added another X user.