Nawat Itsaragrisil Seeks Forgiveness After Heated Exchange at Miss Universe 2025

As rehearsals for Miss Universe 2025 took place in Bangkok, tensions boiled over between Miss Grand International (MGI) president Nawat Itsaragrisil and Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch. The confrontation unfolded during a livestreamed sashing ceremony on November 4 and quickly drew international attention after a number of delegates reportedly walked out in protest.

The incident began when Nawat rebuked Bosch for missing a sponsorship shoot to attend another filming commitment. In the live footage he is heard saying, “Stop. Stop! Sit down. If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down,” at which point several contestants rose and voiced their displeasure. Bosch left the stage shortly after, followed by others who stood with her. Nawat then asked the group to return “except Mexico,” accusing her of “talking too much.”

On social media Bosch condemned his conduct, writing that the director’s actions were “not respectful” and accusing him of calling her “dumb” amid organisational disputes. She said she had behaved professionally, adding that the pageant is a platform for empowered women and that their voices should not be silenced. Her remarks resonated widely and drew praise for her calm, firm response.

Several contestants publicly backed Bosch. Victoria Kjær Theilvig, Miss Universe 2024 from Denmark, urged strength and self-respect, saying standing up for oneself is vital and that the contestants’ voices must be heard. Miss Universe Bonaire 2025, Nicole Peiliker-Visser, attempted to act as a conciliator, appealing to Nawat to resolve the dispute and stressing the need for unity among delegates.

The episode laid bare tensions between the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) and MGI. MUO confirmed it had launched an inquiry and said a senior delegation led by CEO Mario Búcaro would travel to Thailand to ensure delegates were safe and that the pageant was managed professionally. Though the competition schedule stayed intact, Nawat faced restrictions and was nearly barred from 74th Miss Universe activities as MUO emphasised standards of conduct and respect.

Days later Nawat returned to the stage and issued an emotional apology at the welcome ceremony, visibly moved as he addressed contestants and the press: “I want to apologise to everyone. I had no idea how big this issue would become,” he said, pausing as an aide offered a tissue. In a livestreamed statement in Thai he added: “If anyone feels bad, uncomfortable, or affected, I apologise to everyone. I especially apologise to the girls who were present, around 75 of them.”

He also noted that representatives from the Miss Universe international organisation had not yet arrived in Thailand but said CEO Mario Búcaro would soon join him to coordinate efforts and align MGI with MUO for smoother event management.

The episode has prompted wider conversations about contestants’ rights, standards of professionalism, and mutual respect within global pageants, exposing some of the strain behind the polished stagecraft of the Miss Universe competition.