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Key Points Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil issued a tearful apology in Bangkok after a viral confrontation with Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch. The clash, captured on livestream, sparked global outrage and contestant walkouts, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig. The Miss Universe Organization says it’s reinforcing “respect and safety for all delegates” as the finals approach in Thailand. Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, turned a routine pageant rehearsal into a global moment earlier this week when Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly scolded her on a livestream. The clip exploded online, sparking outrage, walk-outs, and now — after days of damage control — a tearful apology. On Wednesday, November 5, Itsaragrisil faced reporters in Bangkok, visibly shaken as he addressed the backlash. “I am human,” he told the press, according to USA Today. “Sometimes the pressure is a lot. I never wanted to hurt anyone.” A short time later, during a welcome ceremony with contestants behind him, he took the mic again to face them directly. “I have to apologize to the delegates,” he said, bowing toward the group. “If anyone was made uncomfortable by what happened, I am so sorry.” Oops! We’re unable to load this content right now. View directly on TikTok In video clips posted across social media, Itsaragrisil can be seen wiping away tears while a man beside him holds a box of tissues. “I had not [intended] to harm anyone because I respect all of you,” he said. “I am so sorry it happened.” 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 For those in the dark, the drama started Tuesday, November 4, when Bosch and other contestants gathered in Bangkok for a pre-pageant rehearsal livestream. What was supposed to be a simple run-through turned chaotic when Itsaragrisil called out Miss Mexico for skipping a promotional photo shoot. In the clip, he’s seen pointing at Bosch and accusing her of disrespecting the event’s sponsors. Bosch didn’t back down. “Because I have a voice,” she fired back, before calmly reminding him that she was following her national director’s instructions. Itsaragrisil reportedly interrupted — and according to multiple outlets, called her a “dummy” or “dumbhead.” Within seconds, several contestants, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig, stood up and walked out in solidarity. The moment spread like wildfire online, with hashtags like #StandWithMexico and #RespectAllDelegates trending across TikTok and X. By the next day, the story had gone international. Fans, former titleholders, and pageant insiders blasted the exchange as disrespectful and unprofessional. Even Noelia Voigt, the former Miss USA who resigned last year citing a “toxic environment,” weighed in, saying she was “shocked, disgusted, disappointed, and genuinely horrified.” Oops! We’re unable to load this content right now. View directly on Instagram 🌹 SIGN UP for our The Bachelor newsletter to stay up to date on the latest Bachelor Nation news, exclusive interviews, episode recaps & more 🌹 As the backlash grew, the Miss Universe Organization stepped in, dispatching a senior delegation led by CEO Mario Búcaro to Thailand to ensure a safe and professional environment for contestants. In an official statement posted to its social channels, MUO reaffirmed its “commitment to working closely with the host community, the Miss Grand International Organization (MGI), and all local partners to ensure the continued success of the 74th Miss Universe competition. Together, we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of respect, safety, and integrity for all participants, staff, and stakeholders.”
