An executive from Miss Universe faced backlash for his conduct towards contestants just before a pageant event, prompting a tearful apology.
The incident occurred during a pre-pageant event in Thailand on November 21, causing significant controversy.
Nawat Itsaragrisil, a pageant executive, drew criticism after a video of his behavior surfaced online.
In a Facebook live stream, Itsaragrisil was captured scolding Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, along with other contestants, allegedly leading to insults towards Bosch.
His frustration appeared linked to Bosch’s absence from a photoshoot that was organized to promote Thailand, intended for sharing on the contestants’ social media.
Itsaragrisil accused Bosch of not participating due to directions from the pageant director in Mexico.
Bosch denied these accusations, escalating the situation during the live video.
Itsaragrisil reportedly referred to Bosch as a ‘dummy’ or ‘dumbhead,’ speaking condescendingly before Bosch and other contestants left in protest.
Upon exiting, Bosch asserted, “As women, you need to show respect for us. I’m here representing a country and it’s not my fault that you have problems with my organization.”
In response, Itsaragrisil posted an apology video on Instagram.
He stated: “If anyone [was] feeling not good, if anyone [was] not comfortable. If anyone [was affected], I do apologize for everyone.”
He also mentioned that he apologized to those present during the incident, struggling to contain his emotions while issuing another apology at a press conference.
According to WIONEWS, Itsaragrisil expressed: “I want to apologize to everyone. I had no idea how big this issue would become.”
He denied using the term ‘dummy’ or ‘dumbhead’, suggesting he actually said ‘damage’.
He clarified: “For international fans, I didn’t say ‘dumbhead’ even one second. So, could you please check it again in our Facebook Miss Universe Thailand. I said, ‘Damage’.”
Raul Rocha, President of the Miss Universe Organization, condemned Itsaragrisil’s actions, describing them as ‘malicious’ and stating that Bosch was ‘humiliated and insulted’.
Rocha emphasized in a video statement that Itsaragrisil ‘forgot the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host’.