16 days before the Miss Universe 2025 gala, the most recognized beauty pageant in the world is immersed in a media storm. The controversy has erupted after Fátima Bosch, Miss Mexico, publicly denounced having been insulted and reprimanded by Nawat Itsaragrisil, current executive director of Miss Universe, during a meeting with the candidates.
The incident occurred during the pre-contest training camp in Thailand, where the event will be held on November 21 in the city of Pak Kret, specifically at the Impact Arena. This year, more than 120 candidates will compete for the coveted crown currently held by Sheynnis Palacios, Miss Nicaragua 2024. But the glamour and expectation have been overshadowed by an episode that has reopened the debate on the treatment of women in beauty pageants.
The controversial dinner with the director
The trigger for the conflict was a campaign promoted by Itsaragrisil, in which he invited the public to vote for his favorite candidate with the incentive of winning “a dinner” with himself. A practice that, although common in his other Miss Grand International pageant, had not been seen in Miss Universe.
Several contestants refused to participate because they considered the proposal “an improper activity,” which generated discomfort among the delegates and their teams. Among those who expressed their disagreement was Fatima Bosch, the Mexican representative, who decided not to attend a photo session with a sponsor, claiming that she was following the recommendations of her advisors.
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This decision provoked the anger of Itsaragrisil, who publicly confronted Bosch in front of her colleagues. According to recordings broadcast on social networks, the producer shouted at her and called her a “fool”, in addition to demanding silence when she tried to defend herself.
“I haven’t given you a chance to speak, please be quiet out of politeness. I keep talking and you have to listen, why are you getting up and talking to me? “, the director is heard saying in the video.
“I do it because I have a voice.”
Far from remaining silent, the Mexican woman responded firmly: “I do it because I have a voice. You don’t respect me as a woman “Bosch replied, which increased the tension in the room.
In the midst of the altercation, Itsaragrisil called security to remove the contestant, while she demanded respect:”As a woman, I ask you for respect. You have to have respect for us. I am here representing my country and it is not my problem that you have problems with the people I work with. “.
The confrontation culminated when Bosch decided to leave the room, followed by some of her colleagues. However, the director tried to hold them back. “All those who want to continue in the contest, sit down,” he ordered them.
The images, recorded by witnesses, quickly went viral on social networks, generating outrage among fans of the contest and reactions in media around the world.
The silence of the candidates and the voice of Fatima Bosch
Despite the repercussions of the case, many participants have chosen not to speak out publicly, presumably for fear of reprisals from the organization.
Fatima Bosch, however, has decided to break the silence and give her version of events. “Thailand, you have all my respect. But what your director has done is not respectful. He called me a ‘fool’ because he has problems with the organization and I don’t think it’s fair. “The Mexican woman told the media after the incident.
“I don’t pick on anyone. I’m just trying to be nice and I’m trying to do my best. But this man has yelled at me, told me to shut up and said a lot of things to me. And yes, I think the world needs to see these images, because we are empowered women and this is a platform to raise our voice. No one can silence us… and no one can do it with me. “He added forcefully.
“If you lose your dignity, you must leave.”
Bosch’s statements have had a profound impact not only among her followers, but also among former contestants and public figures who have supported her bravery.
In another interview, the Mexican representative stressed the value of maintaining dignity over recognition: “The way this man has treated me, without any reason and just because he has problems, is not right. And I hope that all the women at home understand that – no matter if you have a big dream or a crown on your head – if a situation makes you lose your dignity, you should leave.”
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Her testimony has gone viral throughout Latin America, and many voices have described her attitude as an act of female empowerment in a context historically criticized for objectifying women.
Who is Nawat Itsaragrisil, the controversial Thai manager?
Born in 1965, Nawat Itsaragrisil is a Thai presenter and producer who gained fame in the 1990s with travel and entertainment programs for Channel 7 and Channel 9, two of the country’s most popular networks.
In 2013, she founded Miss Grand International, a pageant that quickly achieved global recognition. Since then, her figure has been surrounded by controversy, especially for her authoritarian character and her tendency to exhibit sexist behavior during the pageants she directs.
Itsaragrisil currently serves as executive director of Miss Universe and head of Miss Universe Thailand, positions in which he has been recognized for his media management, although his reputation has been affected by this new scandal.
