Thai producer Nawat Itsaragrisil denied insulting Mexican contestant Fátima Bosch at Miss Universe 2025, claiming he said 'damage' instead of 'dumb'. The incident sparked solidarity among contestants and backlash from Mexican organizers. Nawat defended himself on social media, emphasizing the spread of lies.
The controversy at Miss Universe 2025 arose during the recording of promotional videos, when Fátima Bosch, Mexico's representative, accused Nawat Itsaragrisil, president of Miss Grand International and regional director for Asia of Miss Universe, of calling her 'dumb' and disrespecting her in front of her peers over a disagreement.
Bosch stated: 'What your director just did is not respectful, he called me dumb because he has problems with the organization, and I think that's not fair because I'm here, I do everything right, I don't mess with anyone, I just try to be gentle and do my best.' She added: 'He just told me 'shut up' and a bunch of different things, and I think the world needs to see this because we are empowered women, and this is a platform for our voice, and no one can silence our voice.'
In a viral video, other contestants showed solidarity with Bosch and stood up to leave the venue, while Itsaragrisil tried to calm the situation: 'Stop. If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down.' In another audio, he is heard asking to let the contestants return 'except Mexico because she talks too much.'
Itsaragrisil denied the accusations in a press conference, clarifying that he said 'damage' instead of 'dumb.' On Instagram, he shared a decontextualized message: 'Freedom of expression is important, but if what is said are lies, then it cannot be called freedom of expression.' He also posted a supporting video and offered apologies at an event, but defended his version: 'I saw many messages saying things I never said; please check everything on our website. We keep posting there because some people have put really bad words in the posts and that's being shared. But well, that's in the past.'
Raúl Rocha Cantú, president of Miss Universe Organization and Mexican businessman, repudiated Itsaragrisil's actions in a statement, announcing legal actions and a reduction in his involvement in the pageant. The controversy has heightened tensions between Mexico and Thailand in the event.