A Miss Universe executive singled out and criticized one contestant at an event in Thailand, causing an international controversy after the video went viral.
Ahead of the 74th Miss Universe competition, which takes place in Bangkok later this month, contestants gathered in Thailand over the past few days. Per the schedule, delegates arrived Nov. 2 ahead of a sashing ceremony, which was set for Nov. 5.
As part of the schedule of events, contestants attended a talk from Nawat Itsaragrisil, a Thai businessman and national director of Miss Universe Thailand.
While livestreaming the event on Facebook, the Miss Universe Thailand organization captured a heated exchange between Itsaragrisil and Miss Universe Mexico titleholder Fatima Bosch.
What happened, and how did the Miss Universe organization respond? Here’s everything we know so far.
Itsaragrisil and Bosch’s Argument Escalated Quickly
While speaking to Miss Universe contestants, Itsaragrisil appeared to single out Bosch for not participating in certain promotional activities for the pageant and its host country. He also criticized the national director of Mexico’s Miss Universe organization.
“If you follow the order from your national director, you are dumb,” he said.
He continued to criticize not posting about the host country and the pageant before Bosch again spoke up.
Bosch, who spoke calmly throughout the interaction, seemed to upset Itsaragrisil as she attempted to share her perspective.
“Not about you,” he said.
“I didn’t give you opportunity to talk. Please keep polite. I still talking. Listen,” he added as the exchange continued.
When Itsaragrisil asked why Bosch stood up to talk while he’s “talking to everybody,” she said, “Because I have a voice.”
When Bosch said Itsaragrisil was “not respecting me as a woman,” he grew increasingly frustrated and called for security.
The other women in the room were disturbed by the tense interaction and said, “No,” as Itsaragrisil called for security.
Meanwhile, Bosch could be heard saying, “I am here representing my country, and it is not my fault that you have problems with my organization.”
The other women in the room then got up to follow Bosch out and Itsaragrisil instructed them to “sit down” if they wanted to continue in the contest.
Bosch Spoke to Reporters After the Event
Outside of the event, Bosch expressed disappointment with the way she had been treated. In a video interview that was shared by the Miami Herald, she said Itsaragrisil was “not respectful.”
“He called me dumb because he have problems with the organization. And I think that’s not fair because I’m here and I do everything OK. I don’t mess with anyone. I just try to be kind. I’m trying to give my best and he just shot me and he just said to me and shut up and a lot of different things,” she said.
Bosch explained that she and her fellow contestants are “empowered women” with a powerful “platform.”
“And no one can shut our voice and no one will do that to me,” she said.
How the Miss Universe Mexico Organization Responded
Following the incident, the official Miss Universe Mexico Instagram account expressed its support for Bosch.
“Mexican women always gettin up. We will always raise our face and soul high, because the voice of @fatimaboschfdz carries with it the voice of women of the world. Today we don’t only speak for Mexico, we speak for all those who deserve respect, dignity and recognition. Thank you to all the fans, media, and content creators who have come together to stand up for what’s right. Mexico does not shut up. Mexico is rising up,” the post read.
Miss Universe’s President Released a Statement Condemning Itsaragrisil’s Actions
Miss Universe Organization President Raúl Rocha responded to the viral moment by filming a video message condemning Itsaragrisil’s treatment of Bosch.
“I will not allow the values of respect and dignity toward women to be violated. Unfortunately, Nawat has forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host. It means to demonstrate to all delegates of all countries that he as a host, he has the obligation to serve them, assist them and support them, and to ensure they have a unique life experience filled with kindness and courtesy so that they may enjoy and take from Thailand the best memories of their lives, in an atmosphere of healthy and friendly competition,” he said.
Rocha expressed his “great indignation toward Nawat” and said he “humiliated, insulted and he showed a lack of respect” toward Bosch.
Rocha said Itsaragrisil has a “constant desire to be the center of attention” and urged him to change his approach while speaking with members of the Miss Universe organization and others.
“Nawat you need to stop. Every woman in the world should be respected,” he added.
“I will not allow any of them to be attacked and humiliated as many of them have managed to reach this platform of visibility and voice precisely while trying to overcome situations like these,” he said.
Itsaragrisil Responded to the Controversy
Itsaragrisil addressed the controversy with a post on Facebook. While re-sharing a post from the Miss Universe Organization, he added, “Just finished meeting with MUO from Mexico. Thanks so much for understanding and corroborate.”
The Miss Universe statement said the organization “reaffirms its commitment to working closely with the host community, the Miss Grand International Organization, and all local partners to ensure the continued success of the 74th Miss Universe competition. Together, we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of respect, safety, and integrity for all participants, staff, and stakeholders.”
Itsaragrisil also seemingly apologized, per footage from an Instagram live re-shared by several Instagram users. In the video, Itsaragrisil said, “If anyone (is) feeling not good, if anyone (is) not comfortable. if anyone (was affected), I do apologize for everyone. But I did talk, apologize to the rest of the girls in the room, about 75 girls in the room already.”
Itsaragrisil also expressed frustration that there hasn’t been anyone with “authority” for Miss Universe Thailand and said he was meeting with the Miss Universe organization to discuss the situation.
