Miss Universe 2025 Controversy

A video showing a Miss Universe contestant being harshly scolded by a male pageant director in Thailand has triggered widespread accusations of misogyny and renewed global debate over women’s empowerment and the value of international beauty pageants.

Nawat Itsaragrisil, the president of Miss Grand International (MGI), was filmed reprimanding 25-year-old Mexican contestant Fatima Bosch ahead of the 74th Miss Universe competition, set to take place in Bangkok later this month.

During a live-streamed meeting with many other contestants present, Nawat accused Bosch of failing to post enough promotional content about Thailand, the host country.

He also implied that the head of the Mexican pageant organization had instructed her to sabotage those promotional efforts, and suggested that Bosch would be a “dumbhead” if she followed those orders. The Thai pageant director has since denied using that term and said he had only accused her of causing “damage.”

When Bosch objected to the insults, Nawat tried to shut her down, telling her, “I didn’t give you permission to speak.” He then called security to remove her from the room. In response, other contestants stood up and walked out to support her — which led the pageant’s director to threaten them with disqualification if they didn’t sit back down. Although Nawat later issued a public apology to the contestants, his behavior was strongly criticized worldwide. Even Mexico’s president spoke out, calling it an act of aggression and praising Bosch for responding with dignity.

From anger to apology

Bosch, who was crowned Miss Universe Mexico earlier this year, accused Nawat of verbally insulting her.

Following the confrontation, she spoke to the media and explained that the Thai official’s mistreatment toward her likely stemmed from a dispute he has with the Miss Universe Organization, whose president is Mexican. “I think that’s not fair, because I’m here doing everything right. I don’t bother anyone. I try to be kind and give my best,” she said in a TikTok video.

“He told me to ‘shut up’ and said many other things. I believe the world needs to see this, because we are empowered women. This platform is meant to amplify our voices, and no one has the right to silence us,” Bosch added.

Raúl Rocha, the president of the Miss Universe Organization, also criticized the Thai businessman and has now restricted his involvement in all further activities. Rocha said Nawat humiliated and disrespected the Mexican contestant and was responsible for “the serious abuse of calling security to intimidate a defenseless woman, attempting to silence and exclude her.”

“I have limited—or, where possible, removed—Nawat’s participation in all events connected to the 74th Miss Universe competition,” Rocha stated in Spanish.

Nawat issued an apology during a live-streamed welcome event on Wednesday. He said he never meant to offend anyone and that he respects everyone involved. “I want to sincerely apologize,” he told the group of participants standing onstage with him, including Bosch.

Women are more beautiful when they speak up

News of the incident quickly reached the highest levels of the Mexican government.

During a Wednesday press conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum praised Bosch’s response, calling it “an example of how women should speak up.” Sheinbaum, who recently appeared to be groped during an event, mentioned a common sexist phrase in Mexico meant to silence women: “Calladita te ves más bonita,” or “You look prettier when you’re quiet.”

“Well, I don’t know if anyone here has been told that, but people have said it to me,” she remarked.

Sheinbaum offered a more empowering alternative: “Women are more beautiful when we raise our voices and take part. Because that’s about acknowledging our rights. So, I commend this young woman.”

Majesty and honor

Catalina Ruiz Navarro, a Colombian feminist activist and journalist who lives in Mexico City, said that beauty pageants such as Miss Universe inherently place women in a patriarchal role. She told CNN that “Miss Universe is about controlling and policing women’s bodies — using technology, cosmetic changes, exercise, and dieting to mold them into a standard that is almost religious in its rigidity.”

Ruiz Navarro also commended Bosch, describing her response as “truly brave because she risked a great deal. And the fact that other contestants walked out with her shows a shared sense of indignation and a clear boundary they were no longer willing to accept.”

Sheynnis Palacios, Miss Universe 2023 from Nicaragua, posted on social media that “a crown should never cost a woman her dignity.” She stated that pageants are meant to encourage empowerment, inspiration, and leadership — but those values are undermined “when harmful power dynamics, humiliation, or disrespect occur.”

Alicia Machado, Miss Universe 1996 from Venezuela, added that similar issues existed when she competed. She questioned why major international pageants are still allowed to engage in “unethical practices,” and urged that these platforms instead be used to advocate for “gender rights and global equality.”

Ruiz Navarro says that while the actions of Bosch and the other contestants may help discourage this behavior, it still might not be enough. As long as beauty pageants continue to exist, she says, they must become more inclusive and fair, and ensure that beauty queens are treated with dignity.

The pageant events began on Sunday in Bangkok. Participants from 130 countries are competing in this year’s edition, which will conclude on November 21 with the crowning of the winner.