Instagram/Nawat Itsaragrisil
Who Is the Miss Thailand Director Who Called Miss Mexico ‘Dumb’? Inside the Pageant Scandal
It’s the pageant scandal everyone’s talking about. After Miss Thailand Director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly insulted Miss Mexico during a livestreamed Miss Universe Thailand event, chaos broke out — and the video has since gone viral around the world.
The confrontation, which happened during a sash ceremony and aired on the Miss Universe Thailand Facebook page, showed Nawat calling out Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, for missing a sponsor shoot earlier in the day. Things escalated quickly when he asked her to “stand up” and explain herself, even calling her “dumb” before threatening to call “security.”
The tense moment sparked immediate backlash. Several contestants — including Miss Universe 2024 winner Victoria Kjær Theilvig — stood up and walked out in solidarity with Miss Mexico. Viewers online have since dubbed the walkout “the most empowering act in Miss Universe history.”
The Backlash
Delegates from around the world joined the protest, including Miss Armenia, Miss Canada, Miss Palestine, Miss Bahamas, Miss Cape Verde, Miss Spain, Miss Belize, Miss Bolivia and Miss Bulgaria.
The backlash was so swift that the President of the Miss Universe Organization, Raúl Rocha Cantú, released a statement condemning Nawat’s behavior.
“I want to express my solidarity and unconditional support to all the delegates representing the 122 countries of the Miss Universe competition, in which Thailand is our host country,” Rocha said. “I will not allow the values of respect and dignity towards women be violated. Unfortunately, Nawat has forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host.”
Nawat’s Response
Following the incident, Nawat went live on his social media accounts to address the controversy — though many fans felt his apology missed the mark.
“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.”
He also attempted to explain that Miss Mexico may have misunderstood instructions regarding the photoshoot.
“I know many conditions happen. If you can remember you will check every situation from announcements, from anything,” Nawat said. “All of the delegates, they’re not at fault. But maybe they’re confused when they read the announcement from MU.”
Who Is Nawat Itsaragrisil?
Nawat, 60, is a Thai TV host, producer, and businessman who currently serves as President of Miss Grand International, National Director of Miss Universe Thailand, and Executive Director of the Miss Universe Organization. He’s well-known in Thailand for hosting shows like Exhibition Show and Today Show.
However, controversy seems to follow him. Nawat has been accused multiple times of inappropriate comments toward contestants:
In 2016, Miss Iceland 2015, Arna Ýr Jónsdóttir, claimed he called her “too fat” and told her to lose weight before finals.
In 2022, he criticized Miss Vietnam’s body on a livestream.
In 2024, he was accused of body-shaming Miss Grand International winner Rachel Gupta.
Given that history, many weren’t surprised when the viral clip showed him berating Miss Mexico — but this time, the public reaction was immediate and loud.
Miss Mexico Speaks Out
While Fátima hasn’t spoken in detail about the incident, the Miss Universe Mexico Organization released a statement shortly afterward:
“From Mexico to the world, let’s remember: respect is not optional. Empowerment isn’t a trend. It’s our right. To all the fans, creators, and everyone who has joined us: Thank you for showing that solidarity is louder than hate.”
As of now, Nawat remains in his position — but fans and fellow delegates are calling for accountability.
Conversation
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