The recent conflict involving Miss Grand International (MGI) president Nawat Itsaragrisil and contestants from the Miss Universe competition has drawn significant attention. The incident took place on November 4 in Bangkok during a sashing ceremony. Itsaragrisil publicly reprimanded Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, which led to dramatic protests among the participants.
Background of the Incident
During the event, Itsaragrisil criticized Bosch for her absence from a sponsorship shoot, as well as her involvement in a filming session for Telemundo. This confrontation occurred in front of several contestants and was broadcasted live on the Miss Universe Thailand Facebook page.
Protest and Walkout
Following the remarks, Fatima Bosch left the venue, leading other contestants to walk out in solidarity. Itsaragrisil’s demand for the women to remain in their seats included a specific exclusion of Miss Mexico, saying, “She’s talking too much.”
Contestants Speak Out
- Fatima Bosch: In a TikTok video, Bosch expressed her concerns about the disrespect shown by Itsaragrisil, emphasizing the need for women’s voices to be heard.
- Victoria Kjær Theilvig: The reigning Miss Universe from Denmark supported Bosch, sharing her thoughts on Instagram about self-respect and the importance of standing up against disrespect.
- Nicole Peiliker-Visser: Miss Universe Bonaire 2025 urged for resolution and reminded participants of the supportive atmosphere in Thailand.
Community Reaction
The incident has ignited widespread discussion online. Many supporters praised the contestants for standing up against perceived inequality and disrespect. The phrase “we are empowered women” resonated through various social media platforms as Bosch’s message gained traction.
Future of the Competition
As of now, there has been no official statement from the Miss Universe Organization or Itsaragrisil addressing the incident or the subsequent protest. The Miss Universe pageant is scheduled for November 21, 2023, in Thailand, raising anticipation about possible repercussions and resolutions stemming from this dispute.
