The Miss Universe Organization is weathering another scandal ahead of its 74th annual pageant.

The organization is doing damage control after widespread condemnation of how Miss Universe Mexico, 25-year-old Fátima Bosch, was treated during a pre-sash ceremony event in Thailand.

During an awkward speech to the Miss Universe contestants, which was livestreamed Nov. 4 on Miss Universe Thailand's Facebook page, Nawat Itsaragrisil called out Bosch for allegedly not following through on an obligation for the competition, chastised her for explaining the situation and called her "dumb." The minutes-long back-and-forth ended with Itsaragrisil calling for security to remove her from the event.

Itsaragrisil, a Thai businessman, is president of Miss Grand International as well as vice president for Asia and Oceania within the Miss Universe Organization.

"I just want to let my country know, I'm not afraid to make my voice heard. It's here stronger than ever," Bosch said in Spanish in an interview clip shared by @miss.ardor. "I have a purpose; I have things to say."

"We're in the 21st century, and I'm not a doll to be made up, styled and have my clothes changed. I came here to be a voice for all the women and all the girls who fight for causes and to tell my country that I'm completely committed to that."

Miss Universe calls out Nawat Itsaragrisil for trying to 'intimidate a defenseless woman'

The organization released a video on Nov. 4 in which President Raúl Rocha Cantú sharply criticized Itsaragrisil's "malicious acts" against Bosch.

"I would like to make it clear my great indignation toward Nawat for the public aggression he committed against Fátima Bosch," Cantú said, noting that Itsaragrisil "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."

As the host, Itsaragrisil has "the obligation to serve (Miss Universe delegates), assist them, and support them. And to ensure they have a unique life experience filled with kindness and courtesy," Cantú said.

"Nawat, you need to stop," he reprimanded. He later added in a scathing comment that Itsaragrisil acted out of "his constant desire to be the center of attention."

As a result of the incident, Itsaragrisil’s participation in this year's events has been "restricted" and limited "as much as possible" – or even "entirely." Cantú also promised "corporate and legal actions" in response.

What happened with Fátima Bosch at the Miss Universe event in Thailand?

In his livestreamed speech, Itsaragrisil laid out that there was an issue with someone not fulfilling an obligation for the organization and told the contestants multiple times to "show up your hand" if they were the individual who did not engage in promotional activities.

Finally, after several minutes, he said, "Mexico, where are you?" After Bosch stood, he added, "I heard you (did) not agree to post everything about Thailand, about every article of our own activities. Is it true?"

As Bosch's response was faintly heard in the video, Itsaragrisil retorted, "You don't like to post everything because your director from Mexico ordered you (to) not pay any attention, to post ... about (the) host country?"

At one point in their exchange, Bosch could be heard saying, "Can I continue speaking?" When he agreed, she responded: "Thank you very much."

Itsaragrisil then told the women, "If you follow the orders from your national director, you are a dumb head." He later added that this was a matter of upholding his business contract.

"I am a businessman. I have a lot of money. I have a lot of business," he said. "The legal contract is internationally legal." When Bosch attempted to respond, he shot back, "I didn't hear you (asking) to talk. Please keep polite for me. I'm still talking – listen!"

Bosch told Itsaragrisil, "You are not respecting me as a woman." Shortly after, he asked why she was standing during the confrontation and called for security, to audible groans and "no's" as Bosch's fellow contestants protested the move.

In videos posted on social media, it appeared as if some contestants, including the reigning Miss Universe, Denmark's Victoria Kjær Theilvig, walked out.

As the women stood from their chairs, with some appearing confused, Itsaragrisil threatened, "If anyone wants to continue (in the competition) ... sit down." Miss Universe Bonaire 2025, Nicole Peiliker-Visser, then entreated Itsaragrisil to bring Bosch back into the room and talk through the issue.

In a follow-up interaction, Itsaragrisil was more amenable to working through the conflict.

Miss Universe Nawat Itsaragrisil apologizes for Fátima Bosch incident

Itsaragrisil later went on a TikTok livestream to clarify the situation.

In a clip he reposted on his Instagram story, Itsaragrisil said, "If anyone (was) feeling not good, if anyone (was) not comfortable ... I do apologize for everyone." He also acknowledged there might have been confusion in their communications on expectations.

Miss Universe Mexico was among those who denounced Itsaragrisil's comments, saying in a social media statement, written in Spanish, that "What happened today with @fatimaboschfdz in Thailand is unacceptable. No woman, under any circumstance, deserves to be insulted or humiliated."

The organization added, "Today and always, Mexico is with you, Fatima. Your strength, your class and your voice represent the best of our nation."

"Forever proud of my @fatimaboschfdz," Kjær Theilvig wrote in a Nov. 4 Instagram story.

"Standing up for yourself is not always easy, but it is one of the most important acts of self-respect and strength you can show. It means knowing your worth, setting boundaries, and not allowing anyone or anything to undermine your voice or your value," she added. "Enough is enough, and our voices will be heard loud and clear!"

The Miss Universe 2025 pageant, which involves 122 delegates from around the world, will take place on Nov. 21 in Pak Kret, Thailand.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Miss Universe fires back at 'malicious' exec who called Mexican contestant 'dumb'

Reporting by KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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