Miss Universe Mexico Feud: What Really Happened Between Miss Mexico and the Miss Universe Executive?

Miss universe Fatima Bosch, representing Mexico at Miss Universe 2025, was in Thailand for the pageant’s pre-events when things took a sharp turn.

At a live-streamed sash‐ceremony event (on Nov. 3/4) in Bangkok, host country Thailand, she was asked by pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil to stand up because apparently she hadn’t participated in a certain photo shoot for social-media promotion.

Nawat accused her of not “supporting everything about Thailand” and implied she was following orders from her national director rather than the pageant team.

The confrontation

Here’s where things got heated. He asked:

“Mexico, where are you?”
“I heard you’re not going to support everything about Thailand, is that true?”Bosch responded (in English translation).

When Bosch stood up trying to defend herself, he said: “I still keep talking to everybody, why will you stand up to talk to me?”

“Because I have a voice. You are not respecting me as a woman.” Bosch replied.

And then Nawat said (pointing to her):

“If you follow your national director’s orders, you’re a dumbhead.”

At which point things just got worse: Security was called to escort Bosch out, provoking outrage.

The walk-out

In response to what many felt was a blatant disrespect, more than a dozen contestants took a stand. In the video, some were seen shouting back at Mr Nawat after he raised his voice at Bosch and repeatedly told her to stop talking. They left the room in solidarity with Bosch. And as they leave, Nawat said, “If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down. If you step out, the rest of the girls continue.”

Among them: reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig (from Denmark) reportedly walked out, citing the behaviour as “a huge lack of respect.” As she left the event, she said, “This is about women’s rights,” “This is not how things should be handled. To trash another girl is beyond disrespectful… That’s why I’m taking my coat and I’m walking out.”

The moment struck a chord as clearly many felt the incident crossed a line.

Bosch’s reaction

Bosch didn’t stay quiet. She later told the media:

“No one will ever make me feel small.”
“I just want to let my country know, I’m not afraid to make my voice heard. It’s here stronger than ever. I have a purpose. I have things to say.”

She called out what happened as unfair:

“He called me dumb because he has problems with the organisation. That’s not fair because I am here. I do everything okay. I don’t mess with anyone. I just try to be kind.”

And:

“I’m not a doll to be made up, styled, and have my clothes changed. I came here to be a voice for all the women and all the girls who fight for causes.”

The executive & the apology amidst tears

So who is Nawat? He’s a 65-year-old Thai media personality and businessman, likewise involved in the pageant world. He is well-known as the president of Miss Grand International and national director for Miss Universe Thailand.

After the incident went viral, the Miss Universe Organization stepped in. President Raúl Rocha Cantú condemned Nawat’s conduct, calling his remarks “humiliating, insulting” and saying the values of respect and dignity “must not be violated.” He said he has committed “serious abuse of having called security to intimidate a defenceless woman.”

Nawat later expressed regret (via social media), and at a press conference, he got emotional. He claimed he didn’t intend to harm anyone, that the impact was larger than anticipated, and denied using the exact word “dumbhead” (though the video evidence suggests otherwise). He claimed he said that she had caused “damage”.

He said:

“If someone.… was not feeling good, if anyone… was uncomfortable… I do apologize for everyone.”

Why this matters

This isn’t just pageant gossip. It cuts to bigger issues: voice, respect, power dynamics. Bosch represented more than a sash. She stood up and said: I won’t be belittled. And others joined her. When contestants walk out together, it indicates something deeper.

It also raises questions about accountability in big events: who gets to speak, who gets interrupted, who is treated as a “contestant” versus a “representative.” The video clip circulated globally, and the backlash was swift. Many expressed their anger against Nawat’s conduct and praised Bosch for standing up for herself.

What happens next

The Miss Universe Organization announced that they’ve restricted Nawat’s participation in the upcoming events for the 74th Miss Universe competition. He won’t be anywhere near the centre‐stage (or at least less so) going forward.

Bosch is still competing, and the winner in the Miss Universe competition will be crowned on the 21st of November. Bosch still keeps her focus on representation and purpose. Others are watching. Social media is buzzing.