A senior Miss Universe official has been dramatically removed from his role at this year's competition after he branded Miss Mexico a 'dummy' in front of a live audience, sparking an unprecedented walkout by fellow contestants.
Public Confrontation Sparks Outrage
The incident unfolded on Tuesday during a sashing ceremony, which was being live-streamed. Nawat Itsaragrisil, 60, the Vice President for Asia and Oceania for the Miss Universe Organization, singled out Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, 25, in front of the crowd. He confronted her about skipping a sponsorship shoot earlier that day, demanding to know, "Mexico, where are you? I heard you're not going to support everything about Thailand. Is that true?" before proceeding to call her a 'dummy'.
When a distressed Bosch attempted to explain that she did not wish to be scolded publicly, Itsaragrisil reportedly grabbed the microphone and snapped, "I didn't give you the opportunity to talk. I'm still talking, I'm still talking, listen!" In a powerful moment, Miss Mexico asserted, "I have a voice," and accused him of not respecting her as a woman. The confrontation escalated to the point where Itsaragrisil instructed security personnel to escort her from the hotel.
Contestants Revolt and Executive is Ousted
In a show of solidarity, several of the other 122 contestants immediately stood up, ready to storm out of the ceremony en masse. Footage shows a panicked Itsaragrisil shouting "stop, stop!" as the models began their walkout.
Hours later, Miss Universe president Raúl Rocha took decisive action. In a video statement on Instagram, Rocha announced that Itsaragrisil would be booted from this year's competition and face several sanctions, despite a tearful apology from the executive. Rocha stated, "I have restricted Nawat's participation in the events that are part of the 74th Miss Universe competition, limiting it as much as possible or eliminating it entirely."
Leadership Condemns 'Public Aggression'
President Rocha left no room for ambiguity in his condemnation of the event. He began by expressing love and support for all delegates and respect for the host nation, Thailand. He then stated firmly, "I will not allow the values of respect and dignity of women to be violated."
Rocha expressed his "great indignation toward Nawat for the public aggression he committed against Fátima Bosch, whom he humiliated, insulted, and he showed a lack of respect." He also condemned the call for security, calling it an attempt "to intimidate a defenseless woman." Rocha emphasised that "every woman in the world should be respected" and hinted at potential legal action against Itsaragrisil for his "malicious acts."
Organisers postponed the sash presentation to avoid any further interaction with the axed executive. This severe reaction underscores a zero-tolerance policy towards behaviour that contradicts the pageant's goal of creating an environment of "healthy and friendly competition."
