BANGKOK — The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) said the 74th Miss Universe competition in Bangkok will proceed as planned following a walkout and escalating tensions between contestants and Nawat Itsaragrisil, chairman of the Miss Universe Thailand Host Committee and CEO of the Miss Grand International Organization (MGI).
In a statement issued hours after Miss Universe Mexico Fatima Bosch and several contestants left the Sashing Ceremony on Nov. 4, MUO reaffirmed its commitment to “work closely with the host community, MGI, and all local partners” to ensure the show continues.
“All scheduled events and activities will continue in full cooperation with the host country and MGI,” MUO said, pledging to uphold its values of “diversity, empowerment, and inclusion.” The organization added that a high-level delegation led by Chief Executive Officer Mario Búcaro is traveling to Thailand to strengthen coordination with local organizers and authorities.
By Tuesday evening, tensions appeared to have eased. No contestants had withdrawn, and all joined a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River. Nawat later announced a new “let everyone do as they please” policy, giving contestants freedom to choose their participation in sponsor-related activities to avoid further conflict.
MUO Restricts Nawat’s Role
Tensions reignited Wednesday when MUO President Raul Rocha Cantu released a video statement announcing that Nawat’s role in overseeing the pageant would be “restricted or eliminated entirely.”
“The decision came after he became the center of attention instead of the contestants, humiliating and insulting a defenseless woman,” Rocha said. “No one has the right to harm or intimidate a woman, much less one representing her nation on our stage.”
Rocha said the organization had taken legal and corporate measures in response to Nawat’s “malicious acts” and reiterated that MUO would not tolerate behavior undermining respect and dignity toward women.
The Mexican Embassy in Thailand also confirmed it is in contact with Bosch and her family and will continue to monitor the situation.
Nawat Dismisses MUO’s “Impossible” Move
In a local media interview, Nawat dismissed Rocha’s comments as impractical, saying MUO has no authority to limit his work. “We are the license holder. Everything must run according to business operations,” he said. “He posts first and asks questions later — that causes confusion among contestants.”
He suggested Thailand’s strong showing as host may have caused “jealousy” and insisted he would continue performing his duties. “Sometimes I lose control,” he said. “If I made mistakes, I apologize to Miss Mexico. I may have been too angry, but I had no intention to diminish her.”
Tense Exchange Sparks Walkout
Footage circulating online showed Nawat arguing with Bosch in front of contestants before she walked out, followed by Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Thelvåg and others. Bosch later posted that Nawat had called her “dumb,” writing, “If something costs you your dignity, you need to walk away.”
The Miss Universe Mexico organization condemned the incident as “unacceptable,” saying “no woman, under any circumstance, deserves to be insulted or humiliated.”
The 74th Miss Universe competition runs from Nov. 2–21 across Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya, with the final coronation scheduled for Nov. 21 at Impact Muang Thong Thani.
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