Miss Universe restricts Nawat Itsaragrisil’s participation in the pageant

November 6 ------ The Miss Universe Organization has released a video statement from its president, Raul Rocha, following the recent issues surrounding the pageant and Miss Universe Thailand National Director Nawat Itsaragrisil.

The video was posted on the pageant’s social media pages. Rocha delivered his statement in Spanish, with subtitled English translations. Rocha started off by saying he is in solidarity with the 122 delegates of this year's pageant. “I will not allow the values of respect and dignity towards women to be violated,” he said, calling out Nawat for his actions. “Unfortunately, Nawat has forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host," Rocha said. "As a host, he has the obligation to serve them, assist them, and support them, and to ensure they have a unique life experience filled with kindness and courtesy,” he added.

Rocha made it clear that he has “great indignation toward Nawat for the public aggression he committed against Fatima Bosch,” the candidate from Mexico, whom he humiliated, insulted, and he showed a lack of respect.” According to Rocha, Nawat did “serious abuse of having called security to intimidate a defenseless woman.” “Nawat, you need to stop,” Rocha bluntly said. “Every woman in the world should be respected. And Fatima, who, in addition to being a voice of her own, represents her country as well, just like the 122 delegates who are currently in Thailand.” He added, “I will not allow any of them to be attacked and humiliated as many of them have managed to reach this platform of visibility and voice, precisely while trying to overcome situations like these.”

Rocha said he decided to postpone the sashing ceremony to “avoid any interaction with Nawat, who, in his constant desire to be the center of attention, caused this incident," adding it's only the Miss Universe delegates who should shine. “For the above reasons, 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 said. He had also instructed Miss Universe CEO Mario Bucaro to detail all of the corporate and legal actions “we will undertake as a result of the malicious acts committed by Nawat.”

According to Rocha, the organization will not allow anyone to cause harm and thwart the dreams of the delegates. In his video statement, Rocha made clear that he had instructed a delegation of executives of the Miss Universe Organization and diplomatic experts to travel to Thailand to take control of the situation. He also called out the host community, Miss Grand International, saying, "we had, unfortunately, trusted Miss Grand International, and that trust has failed under the leadership of Nawat.” Rocha reminded the Miss Universe delegates that he has their full support, and that no one is superior to the others.

According to Rocha, Miss Universe is a platform for women’s voices to be heard. “In Miss Universe, the values of respect and dignity of women are neither negotiable, and we differ strongly from MGI,” he said. Rocha ended his statement saying, "I wish from the bottom of my heart, may peace reign in what is to come, which is the main concept we have highlighted in this edition, and that it is also so much needed in the world.” Rocha's statement comes on the heels of Nawat's apology, which he delivered in a live video late Tuesday. “If anyone feels not good, if anyone is not comfortable, if anyone is affected, I do apologize to everyone. But I did talk, apologize to the rest of the girls in the room. Around 75 girls in the room already," he said. He reiterated his apology on Instagram Stories Wednesday, saying he "invested and tried my best to make this event and be fair to everyone."

But Nawat admitted it's been hard. "Sorry, Universe fans, I can only do this because my patience has a limit. Sorry again if I make anyone uncomfortable watching Universe this time," he said in Thai, which Instagram translated to English. On Tuesday, Miss Universe Thailand posted a video where Nawat was seen having an exchange with someone off-screen and later calling security. Following the video, Miss Universe Mexico released a statement about their candidate, Fatima Bosch, and said what happened to her in Thailand is "unacceptable." "No woman, under any circumstance, deserves to be insulted or humiliated," Miss Universe Mexico added in Spanish, as translated in English by Instagram.

Meanwhile, reigning Miss Universe Victoria Victoria Kjær Theilvig said she is proud of Fatima. In an Instagram story, the Danish beauty queen said that standing up for oneself is one of the most important acts of self-respect and strength you can show.

The MUO released a statement Tuesday reaffirming its commitment to work with the host community, the Miss Grand International Organization (MGI), and all local partners to ensure the continued success of the 74th Miss Universe competition. They also said that a high-level delegation, led by the MUO Chief Executive Officer Mario Búcaro, is traveling to Thailand "to strengthen collaboration with the host country, MGI, and relevant authorities." This is not the first issue that occurred in the Miss Universe competition this year.

On Sunday, Miss Universe Thailand's (MUT) official social media pages posted about a "Special Dinner & Talk Show," encouraging netizens to vote for Miss Universe candidates through Facebook and Instagram likes and shares. The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) slammed the event and said, "Such initiatives do not represent the values, operations, or official activities of the Miss Universe Organization." MUT stood their ground, as MUO reiterated that there were only four official competition stages.

The Miss Universe 2025 coronation event is scheduled for November 21. Ahtisa Manalo will vie for the Philippines' fifth crown.

Source: gmanetwork.com