Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand was off to a turbulent start after a heated argument between Mexico’s representative, Fatima Bosch, and Miss Universe Thailand (MUT) National Director Nawat Itsaragrisil prompted walkouts from outgoing titleholder Victoria Kjaer Theilvig and several other candidates, delaying the sashing ceremony.
The tense exchange, posted by MUT on Nov. 4, reportedly arose from Itsaragrisil’s frustration that Bosch allegedly declined to share any promotional content about the host country, reportedly under instructions from her national director.
‘If you follow orders from your national director, you are dumb,’ Itsaragrisil told Bosch.
Tension escalated a few minutes later when Bosch attempted to defend herself after the unprompted insult, which angered Itsaragrisil, who perceived her response as an interruption.
‘I am still talking to everybody, why are you standing up to talk to me?’ Itsaragrisil asked. Bosch replied, ‘Because I have a voice,’ to which he cut off, ‘Yes, you have a voice, but you have to respect.’
‘But you are not respecting me as a woman,’ Bosch shot back before Itsaragrisil called security, prompting groans from Bosch’s fellow candidates.
Off-camera, Bosch could be heard saying, ‘As a woman, we are respecting and need to be respected. I am here representing my country, and it’s not my fault that you have problems with my organization.’
Shortly later, Theilvig and several contestants walked out in solidarity with Bosch. Speaking to pageant media stationed outside, the reigning titlist expressed disappointment over how the situation was handled.
‘We have respect for everyone, but this is not how things should be handled. To trash another girl is beyond disrespectful, and it’s nothing I, as a person, can stand behind. That’s why I am taking my call, and I am going,’ the Danish beauty queen said before exiting the venue.
Theilvig later doubled down on her stance on her Instagram Stories, praising Bosch for standing up for herself.
‘It’s not always easy, but it is one of the most important acts of self-respect and strength you can show,’ she wrote. ‘It means knowing your worth, setting boundaries, and not allowing anyone or anything to undermine your voice or your value. It’s about acknowledging that you have a right to be heard, to express your opinions, and to pursue your dreams, regardless of any obstacles that may come your way.’
She also lauded the other candidates who walked out, captioning a photo of them, ‘This is women empowerment. This is sisterhood.’
Philippine delegate Ma. Ahtisa Manalo reportedly were among those who stayed put.
In a statement written in Spanish, Miss Universe Mexico stood by their delegate, saying, ‘What happened to Fatima Bosch in Thailand is unacceptable. No woman, in any setting, deserves to be insulted or humiliated. We firmly believe in the values that Miss Universe promotes: respect, dignity, and empowerment.’
The organization also criticized Itsaragrisil, saying his ‘behavior does not belong to Miss Universe, nor does it represent our beloved Miss Universe Organization or reflect the spirit of unity and respect that we uphold.’
Power struggle?
This marks the third controversy involving Itsaragrisil since Miss Universe 2025 began its official activities. Aside from being the national director of MUT, which he acquired earlier this year, the Thai businessman and media personality is also the founder of Miss Grand International, which just recently crowned a Filipina, Emma Mary Tiglao, as its latest winner.
A ‘Special Dinner and Talk Show’ event organized by MUT was declared ‘unauthorized’ by the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), calling it a violation of intellectual property. MUT countered that it had grounds to hold the event, claiming it was part of the official marketing package as Thailand serves as the host country.
Thai police also launched an investigation into MUO officials after Itsaragrisil filed a complaint accusing them of making candidates appear in a promotion for an online casino, which is illegal in Thailand.
These controversies, coupled with news that Mexican businessman Raul Rocha Cantú purchased a 50% stake in Miss Universe from Anne Jakrajutatip’s JKN Global Group, have fueled a possible power struggle within the organization ahead of the awaited Nov. 21 coronation in Bangkok.
Before the sashing ceremony, Itsaragrisil addressed the candidates that all MUT activities were legal and encouraged anyone with questions to raise their hand. When no one did, he called on Bosch – triggering the viral confrontation.
Hours later, Itsaragrisil apologized during a TikTok livestream for how he handled the situation, citing challenges in managing the competition as MUO officials had yet to arrive in Thailand.
‘If anything happened today, if you are not happy, if some delegates feel uncomfortable, I do apologize – also to the fans around the world. But please understand our side, too,’ he said, adding that he would ‘take good care’ of Bosch.
Despite his apology, Rocha announced that Itsaragrisil’s role in the competition would be limited, with the possibility of his complete removal.
‘Nawat, you need to stop,’ Rocha said in a televised statement in Spanish. ‘Every woman in the world should be respected. And Fatima, who, in addition to being a voice of her own, represents her country as well, just like the 122 delegates currently in Thailand.’
He added, ‘I will not allow any of them to be attacked and humiliated. Many of them have fought to reach this platform of visibility and voice, and they should not have to endure situations like this.’
Rocha also announced that the organization’s CEO, Mario Búcaro, would be flying to Thailand to assess the situation.
‘Damaged MU image’
Itsaragrisil himself is no stranger to controversy. He has been criticized for body-shaming contestants such as Miss Iceland 2015 Arna Ýr Jónsdóttir, whom he called ‘too fat,’ and Miss Grand International 2024 winner Rachel Gupta, who resigned from her title and was replaced by the Philippines’ Christine Juliane Opiaza.
He later shared ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos of Gupta, insinuating she had undergone cosmetic surgery, writing: ‘She don’t talk and she don’t get authorized from organization. When we ask her, she said she ate protein a lot. She confirmed no surgery at all,’ drawing backlash for his remarks.
Itsaragrisil also angered Filipino pageant fans after suggesting that Catriona Gray’s Miss Universe 2018 win was ‘rigged,’ claiming that other contestants were ‘better than her.’
Online, netizens have rallied behind Bosch and have supported disciplinary actions against Itsaragrisil for his behavior.
‘Nawat damaged the MU image so quickly within a few days. He needs to learn how to handle his concerns more respectfully,’ one YouTube commenter said. Another added, ‘Rachel Gupta was right all along.’
In an interview following the incident, Bosch reaffirmed her admiration for Thailand while standing firm in defending her dignity.
‘What Nawat did was not respectful. He called me ‘dumb’ because of his issue with [my] organization, and I think that’s unfair. This platform is meant for our voices, and no one has the right to silence us,’ she said.
‘To everyone, especially women – no matter how big your dreams are, even if you wear a crown – if something costs you your dignity, you need to walk away.’