The Miss Universe pageant is already making headlines ahead of the main event on Nov. 21. During a pre-sash ceremony this week, Miss Universe executive Nawat Itsaragrisil called Miss Mexico “dumb,” causing some of the contestants to walk out.
The drama unfolded on Nov. 3, as the 122 delegates competing for the crown gathered. During the event, Nawat was seen on a livestream scolding Fátima Bosch, Miss Mexico, for not taking part in some promotional activities.
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Nawat accused Bosch of listening to her national director from Mexico. He said, “If you follow the orders from your national director, you are a dumb head.”
Bosch responded, “I’m here representing my country, and it’s not my fault that you have problems with my organization.”
The two had a heated exchange as other contestants sat and listened silently. Eventually, Nawat asked security to escort Bosch out. At that point, other contestants stood out and walked towards the exit alongside Bosch.
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President Donald Trump owned the Miss Universe pageant from 1996 until 2015, when he sold it to Endeavor.
Miss Universe president responds
One day after the confrontation, Miss Universe President Raúl Rocha Cantú shared a video, reprimanding Nawat for his “vicious actions.” He said Nawat had “humiliated, insulted, and he showed a lack of respect, in addition to the serious abuse of having called security to intimidate a defenseless woman, trying to silence and exclude her.”
Cantú said the Miss Universe organization has since restricted Nawat’s participation in this year’s events “as much as possible.”
Organizer apologizes
On Wednesday, two days after the incident, Nawat stood before all the contestants and apologized for his comments.
“I have not intended to harm anyone,” Nawat said. “I am so sorry it’s happened.” He then turned around and bowed towards the woman, receiving applause from the contestants.
The Miss Universe pageant will take place in Thailand on November 21. It has been held in the country since 2022, when JKN, a Thai media conglomerate, acquired the broadcast rights from Endeavor, the American talent agency.
Nawat bought a stake in JKN in April this year, through a share that his company, MGI International, purchased.
