Miss Universe executive Nawat Itsaragrisil has publicly apologized after he insulted Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch in a moment that quickly went viral on social media.
“I am human. I didn’t want to do anything like that,” the Thai TV personality, 60, said during a press conference on Wednesday, November 5, according to USA Today.
Itsaragrisil broke down in tears while speaking to the press, according to multiple reports.
Itsaragrisil also apologized to the contestants directly during a ceremony that same day.
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“I want to take this opportunity to say something about something that’s happened. Because I am a human,” the businessman, who holds executive positions within both the Miss Universe Organization and Miss Universe Thailand, in addition to serving as president of Miss Grand International, said at the ceremony. “I think you must understand the pressure is a lot, I am a human sometimes. I cannot control. By the way, I have not intend to hurt anyone.”
Itsaragrisil added, “I have to apologize for the delegates,” before turning and bowing at the women. He also apologized to Miss Universe’s followers and anyone who felt affected by the situation.
Earlier this week, Itsaragrisil made headlines for a viral argument with Bosch, 25, during a sash ceremony in which he called the Mexican model a “dumbhead,” an expression that means “fool” or “empty-headed.”
As seen in footage of the tense exchange shared online, Bosch told Itsaragrisil, “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.”
Itsaragrisil replied, “No, you must listen to me first, then argue with me.”
According to the outlet N+, Itsaragrisil had questioned why Bosch did not post about their host country, Thailand, on social media. Though Bosch tried to tell Itsaragrisil that it was a misunderstanding, he responded, “If you follow your national director’s orders, you’re a dumb head.”
Bosch walked out of the room in protest, with many of her fellow competitors, including the current Miss Universe, Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig, joining her in solidarity.
Bosch later told the media of the incident, “He called me dumb because he has issues with the organization, and I think that’s unfair. … I think the world needs to see this, because we are empowered women and this platform is for our voices. No one can silence it. No one will silence me.”
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She concluded, “It doesn’t matter if you have a big dream or a crown. If it takes away your dignity, you should walk away.”
The Miss Universe Organization also issued a statement reassuring fans that it was committed to participants’ safety and respect.
“The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) reaffirms its commitment to work closely with the host community, the Miss Grand International Organization (MGI), and all local partners to ensure the success of the 74th edition of the pageant,” the statement read. “A high-level delegation, led by the MUO’s CEO, Mr. Mario Búcaro, is traveling to Thailand to strengthen collaboration with the host country, MGI, and relevant authorities. All scheduled events and activities will take place as planned, reaffirming our shared goal of delivering a global celebration that reflects the values of diversity, empowerment, and inclusion that define the legacy of Miss Universe.”
In a video posted via social media on Tuesday, November 4, Miss Universe President Raúl Rocha announced that Itsaragrisil’s participation in events related to the 74th Miss Universe competition would be “restricted,” “limiting it as much as possible or eliminating it entirely.”
Rocha also postponed the sash presentation ceremony “to avoid any interaction with Nawat” and demanded that Búcaro issue a statement detailing the “legal actions” that the Miss Universe Organization would “undertake as a result of the malicious acts committed by Nawat.”
Finally, Rocha announced a dissociation from Miss Grand International, saying that his trust in MGI “failed under the unfortunate leadership of Nawat.”
