In a dramatic turn of events at the ongoing Miss Universe pageant, Thai executive Nawat Itsaragrisil issued a tearful public apology on Wednesday after a heated confrontation with Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, went viral, sparking a mass walkout by contestants.

The incident occurred during a pre-pageant sash ceremony on Tuesday, November 4, when Itsaragrisil, 60 a senior figure in the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), Miss Universe Thailand, and president of Miss Grand International publicly scolded Bosch, 25, for allegedly failing to post promotional content about host country Thailand.

Footage of the exchange, live-streamed and widely shared online, showed Itsaragrisil raising his voice and reportedly calling Bosch a “dumbhead.”

“You must listen to me first, then argue with me,” Itsaragrisil said, as Bosch responded, “We respect you, just as you should respect us. I’m here representing my country, and it’s not my fault you have problems with my organization.”

When Bosch explained that the issue stemmed from instructions by her national director, Itsaragrisil allegedly replied, “If you follow your national director’s orders, you’re a dumb head.”

Visibly shaken, Bosch walked out of the room, her sash and gown trailing behind her. Dozens of contestants, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark, followed in solidarity.

“This is about women’s rights,” Theilvig said. “To trash another girl is beyond disrespectful that’s why I’m walking out.”

Bosch later told reporters, “He called me dumb because he has issues with the organization. We are empowered women; this platform is for our voices. If it takes away your dignity, you should walk away.”

The viral footage sparked outrage across social media, with users condemning Itsaragrisil’s behavior as disrespectful and contrary to the Miss Universe values of empowerment and inclusion.

On Wednesday, November 5, the Thai TV personality faced the press in Bangkok, where he broke down in tears.

“I am human. I didn’t want to do anything like that,” he said, claiming his comments were misunderstood and that he meant Bosch had “caused damage,” not that she was unintelligent.

Later that day, during a private ceremony with contestants, Itsaragrisil bowed deeply and apologized directly.

“I think you must understand the pressure is a lot,” he said. “I have no intention to hurt anyone. If anyone feels bad or uncomfortable, I apologize to everyone especially the girls.”

The Miss Universe Organization swiftly condemned the incident. In a video statement, MUO President Raúl Rocha announced that Itsaragrisil’s participation in the 74th Miss Universe competition would be “restricted or eliminated entirely.”

Rocha described the Thai executive’s conduct as “malicious,” accusing him of humiliating Bosch and “calling security to intimidate a defenceless woman.” He added, “He forgot the true meaning of being a host. My trust in the Miss Grand International Organization has failed under his leadership.”

The MUO reaffirmed its commitment to women’s empowerment, announcing that CEO Mario Búcaro would lead a delegation to Thailand to oversee the pageant’s continuation and ensure its values of diversity, empowerment, and inclusion remain intact.

Despite the controversy, the Miss Universe competition has continued. Contestants appeared at a welcome event in Bangkok on Wednesday, returning the focus to celebration and culture.

The 74th Miss Universe coronation is scheduled for November 21 in Bangkok, where one woman will be crowned amid heightened scrutiny on the organization’s commitment to dignity and respect.

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