The Miss Universe Director Who Criticized Miss Mexico Continues to Participate Despite Restrictions

When a video surfaced of Miss Universe director Nawat Itsaragrisil shouting at contestant Fátima Bosch representing Mexico, the organization took ostensibly decisive action, yet normalcy seems to have resumed.

Raul Rocha, the president of Miss Universe, released a six-minute address on Instagram on the day of the incident, November 4, labeling Itsaragrisil's actions as a significant violation.

Rocha asserted, "I've reduced Nawat's involvement in the 74th Miss Universe proceedings to the bare minimum or eliminated it outright."

Contrary to Rocha's assurances, Itsaragrisil has been seen at numerous pageant-related gatherings leading up to the crowning event, which is set to air on Peacock. Just before the finals, he even shared images online depicting him in friendly poses with Rocha.

A Highly Publicized Clash

In his role as head of Miss Thailand and emcee for the 74th Miss Universe, Itsaragrisil's disagreement with Bosch unfolded during a contestant gathering on the competition's inaugural day. He accused Bosch of skipping a sponsor-related activity.

During the confrontation—streamed by Miss Universe Thailand—Itsaragrisil allegedly insulted Bosch, saying, "You're a fool if you heed your director." He later attempted to clarify, telling the media he had referred to 'damage' rather than using a derogatory term.

Bosch retorted during the argument, "I have a voice and you're disrespecting me as a woman." This led Itsaragrisil to summon security, which resulted in many contestants, including Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig, exiting in protest.

Official Reaction from Miss Universe

In his public declaration, Rocha was forthright about the organization's intent to pursue both internal and legal measures due to Nawat’s actions. He affirmed, "We cannot allow the principles of dignity and respect towards women to be breached."

Rocha further instructed Miss Universe CEO Mario Búcaro to swiftly assume control over the pageant in Thailand owing to a lack of confidence in Itsaragrisil.

Addressing the pageant contestants, Rocha encouraged resilience against any such occurrences, regardless of the source, declaring, "This core value must be relentlessly defended."

An emotional Itsaragrisil issued an apology the subsequent day at a press briefing, expressing, "I'm only human. It was never my intention to act that way."

Observing Standard Operations?

Due to images revealing his presence, it appears Itsaragrisil has continued attending prominent pageant events. He was photographed at the swimwear fashion exhibition on November 14 in the company of Búcaro and Theilvig. The next evening, he attended a gala dinner and was photographed with participants and Miss Universe executives.

In addition, Itsaragrisil was present during the national costume show and preliminary rounds held on November 19, sharing visual content of himself alongside Rocha.

Omar Harfouch, initially part of the judging panel for the Miss Universe 2025 contest, admitted to mediating between Itsaragrisil and Rocha, hoping to mend their relationship for the broader benefits of the pageant community.

An Attempt at Reconciliation

Harfouch remarked, "I engaged both Raul and Nawat, advocating for harmony among pageant officials to fortify global ties in the pageant sphere. After our conciliatory talks, I believed a reconciliation was plausible."

He uploaded a reunion clip of the two on social media on November 17. However, the next day, he resigned from his judging duties, citing a concealed ballot through which the top 30 were allegedly selected by unofficial jury members, himself included.

Miss Universe responded via Instagram on November 18, suggesting Harfouch misunderstood the recent introduction of a selection panel for the ‘Beyond the Crown Program,’ a social initiative aimed at boosting the charitable endeavors of participants.

Amid the ongoing drama, 120 candidates remain in the running for the Miss Universe title, with one poised to be crowned after extensive competition.