Miss Universe Mexico contestant Fatima Bosch being harshly berated by Nawat Itsaragrisil, the president of Miss Grand International, in Thailand has caused a lot of anger around the world. This controversy is over misogyny and started important conversations about how to empower women in beauty pageants.
Before the 74th Miss Universe competition in Bangkok, Nawat accused Bosch of not doing enough to promote Thailand. He even suggested sabotage, calling her “dumbhead.” When Bosch refused to take the insults, Nawat told her to be quiet and called security to have her removed. This made several contestants leave in support. Nawat later apologized in public, but the event was condemned around the world. Additionally, Mexico’s president Claudia Sheinbaum praised Bosch for her dignified stand.
Raúl Rocha, the president of the Miss Universe Organization, limited Nawat’s participation in the events that were still going on. Rocha thought his actions were humiliating and abusive. Bosch brought up the incident to raise awareness about how women’s voices are being silenced. She said that the pageant should be a place for empowerment, not fear.
Feminists and former Miss Universe winners spoke out about the sexist problems that are part of international beauty pageants. They called for more respect, openness, and fairness for the contestants. There are contestants from 130 countries in the ongoing Miss Universe 2025 pageant. The winner will be crowned on November 21 in Bangkok.
