BANGKOK: Miss Universe Organisation president Raúl Rocha has announced that Thai pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil has been barred from participating in the Miss Universe 2025 competition.
This follows a public confrontation with Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch earlier this month.
In a statement, Rocha said the decision was made to “uphold the integrity and professionalism of the Miss Universe brand” ahead of the global finals, which are scheduled to take place on Nov 21 in Thailand.
The move comes after a Nov 4 incident in which the Thai executive Nawat Itsaragrisil was seen in a viral video engaging in a heated exchange with Bosch during a pre-pageant event.
Itsaragrisil appeared to call Bosch a “dumbhead” for not posting about Thailand on social media, sparking outrage among netizens.
Bosch and many of the Miss Universe contestants walked out following the exchange in which Itsaragrisil also called for security to throw the Mexican out.
Itsaragrisil has since issued a public apology, expressing regret for his actions and acknowledging that his conduct was inappropriate.
Rocha said the Miss Universe Organisation is committed to maintaining a respectful and supportive environment for all contestants and delegates.
“Mutual respect and professionalism are non-negotiable values in our organisation,” he added.
The Miss Universe 2025 pageant will be held in Thailand for the first time since 2018, with participants from nearly 90 countries competing for the crown.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
