Post by : Meena
Hassan
Tensions erupted during preparations for Miss Universe 2025 in Bangkok when Miss Grand International (MGI) president Nawat Itsaragrisil confronted Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, during a livestreamed sashing rehearsal on November 4. The incident drew immediate attention after several contestants reportedly left the stage in protest.
Sources say the exchange began after Nawat criticised Bosch for missing a sponsor shoot to attend another filming commitment. In the livestream he can be heard ordering, “Stop. Stop! Sit down. If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down,” as other contestants stood up in solidarity. Bosch left the venue soon after, followed by multiple contestants; Nawat then asked attendees to return "except Mexico," saying she was "talking too much."
On social media Bosch condemned Nawat’s conduct, saying his remarks were disrespectful and accusing him of calling her "dumb". She wrote that she tries to be kind and uses the platform to amplify women's voices, adding that the public needed to see the exchange. Her statement spread widely online and drew praise for her response.
Several peers expressed support. Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark posted that standing up for oneself is a vital act of self-respect, while Miss Universe Bonaire 2025 Nicole Peiliker‑Visser sought to mediate and urged a resolution, stressing the importance of unity among contestants.
The episode underscored tensions between the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) and MGI. MUO said it would investigate and confirmed a senior delegation led by CEO Mario Búcaro would travel to Thailand to ensure the safety and professionalism of the event. Organisers maintained the pageant schedule but said Nawat faced restrictions and possible exclusion from some activities as MUO reiterated its standards for conduct.
Days later Nawat returned to the stage and apologised. Visibly emotional at the welcome ceremony, he told contestants and media he regretted the fallout, saying, “I want to apologise to everyone. I had no idea how big this issue would become.” In a later livestream he offered a formal apology in Thai, apologising to those he may have upset, including the contestants present.
The dispute has prompted wider discussion about contestant rights, professional standards, and mutual respect within international pageants, highlighting challenges behind the public spectacle of Miss Universe.
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