Source: Africa Publicity
A Miss Universe executive has been removed from this year’s pageant following controversy over his treatment of Miss Mexico.
Nawat Itsaragrisil, the 60-year-old Director of Miss Universe Thailand, faced backlash Tuesday after publicly criticizing Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch, 25, during a live-streamed ceremony ahead of the sashing event.
Itsaragrisil singled out Bosch for missing a sponsorship shoot earlier in the day, asking, “Mexico, where are you? I heard you’re not going to support everything about Thailand. Is that true?” He then called her a “dummy.” But at a press conference later, he said he meant “damaged” not “dummy”.
But Miss Universe president Raúl Rocha later announced that Itsaragrisil would be removed from the competition and face sanctions, despite issuing a tearful apology.
Speaking in an Instagram video, Rocha says “I have restricted Nawat’s participation in the events that are part of the 74th Miss Universe competition, limiting it as much as possible or eliminating it entirely.”
Rocha began his statement by expressing respect and support for contestants from all 122 participating countries and for Thailand, the host nation. He added:
“I will not allow the values of respect and dignity of women to be violated… Unfortunately, Nawat has forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host. It means to demonstrate to all delegates, of all countries, that he as a host has the obligation to serve them, assist them and support them.”
The president also condemned Itsaragrisil’s actions toward Bosch:
“My great indignation toward Nawat for the public aggression he committed against Fátima Bosch, whom he humiliated, insulted, and he showed a lack of respect. In addition to the serious abuse of having called security to intimidate a defenseless woman, trying to silence and exclude her, Nawat, you need to stop. Every woman in the world should be respected, and Fátima, who in addition to being a voice of her own, represents her country as well.”
Rocha indicated that legal action could follow, stating that CEO Mario Bucaro would speak on behalf of the pageant. Organizers have also postponed the sash presentation to “avoid any interaction” with Itsaragrisil.
The incident, which caused a walkout among contestants, unfolded live as Itsaragrisil, who serves as Vice President for Asia and Oceania of the Miss Universe Organization, confronted Bosch about the missed shoot.
