Miss Universe Thailand Director Nawat Itsaragrisil Apologizes After Confrontation With Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch Goes Viral

The Miss Universe 2025 controversy, which began with a confrontation between Thai pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil and Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch, has entered a new chapter. After sparking global outrage and a walkout by several contestants in Bangkok, Itsaragrisil appeared on social media Tuesday night (Thai time) to issue a public apology for his comments during the November 4 sashing ceremony.

The incident, captured in videos now viral in social media, showed the Thai executive questioning Bosch in front of dozens of contestants about her absence from a sponsor shoot. The exchange left Bosch visibly uncomfortable, prompting her to leave the room, followed by several delegates who walked out in solidarity. The video spread quickly across TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), with hashtags like #StandWithMexico, #JusticeForFatima, and #NawatNoRepresentaMU trending across Latin America.

Nawat Itsaragrisil's Apology

In a livestream posted to his official social-media accounts, Nawat Itsaragrisil did not mention Bosch by name but acknowledged that his words during the ceremony may have caused discomfort. Speaking in Thai, he addressed the 75 contestants who were present at the event and extended a general apology.

"If someone doesn't feel well, if someone feels uncomfortable, if anyone was affected, I apologize to everyone," he said. "I already spoke and apologized to the rest of the girls in the room, about seventy-five girls."

The apology video, later shared widely on TikTok with the caption "Nawat apologizes live via TikTok," shows the Thai organizer in a subdued tone, attempting to calm tensions that have overshadowed the pageant week.

Collaboration With Miss Universe Mexico

Earlier in the day, before his livestream apology, Itsaragrisil had posted a message on Facebook confirming he had met with representatives of Miss Universe Mexico and senior Miss Universe Organization executives to discuss the controversy.

"I just finished the meeting with MUO Mexico. Thank you very much for understanding and collaborating," he wrote, sharing the official Miss Universe Organization statement that addressed the Bangkok incident.

That MUO statement, released Monday night, reaffirmed the organization's commitment to ensuring a "secure and professional environment for all delegates." It also confirmed that a high-level delegation led by CEO Mario Búcaro would travel to Thailand to strengthen cooperation between the global organization, the Thai host committee, and Miss Grand International (MGI), which Itsaragrisil also leads.

"This mission aims to coordinate efforts, ensure a safe and professional environment for all delegates, and reaffirm MUO's commitment to transparency, respect, and unity," the statement read.

Miss Universe Mexico's Strong Response

Following the confrontation, Miss Universe Mexico issued a powerful statement condemning the incident and defending Bosch.

"What happened today with @fatimaboschfdz in Thailand is unacceptable. No woman, on any stage, deserves to be insulted or humiliated," the organization wrote. "We firmly believe in the values that Miss Universe promotes: respect, dignity, and empowerment... The behavior of one person who does not belong to MU does not represent our beloved organization."

It concluded: "Today and always, Mexico stands with you, Fátima. Your strength, your class, and your voice represent the best of our nation."

The post ignited a wave of online solidarity, with pageant fans across Latin America and Mexico praising Bosch's calm reaction and calling for accountability from MUO.

The Miss Universe Organization also touched on the incident and announced that it was seding a delegation "to strengh collaboration with the host country."

Background: A Divisive Figure in the Pageant World

Nawat Itsaragrisil, 51, is a well-known television producer and the founder of Miss Grand International, Thailand's own beauty-pageant franchise. Earlier this year, his company became a key local partner in organizing the 74th edition of Miss Universe, marking a new era of Thai involvement in the global competition.

However, sources inside the industry describe mounting tension between Nawat and Miss Universe Organization leadership under President Raúl Rocha. The Bangkok incident has now exposed those divisions publicly, with Bosch caught in the crossfire of what appears to be a deeper struggle for control between franchises and national directors.

The Miss Universe 2025 coronation remains scheduled for November 21 at Bangkok's Impact Arena. While preparations continue, both the organization and Itsaragrisil face intense public scrutiny. Whether his apology will be enough to calm the backlash remains to be seen.