Metro Manila, Philippines – Miss Universe Organization (MUO) President Raul Rocha has restricted the participation of Nawat Itsaragrisil, owner of Miss Universe Thailand and chair of the host committee, following what he called an act of “public aggression” against Miss Universe Mexico Fátima Bosch during a pre-pageant event in Thailand.
The controversy erupted after a video circulated online showing Nawat reprimanding contestants for allegedly refusing to post promotional content about Thailand. He singled out Bosch by name, confronting her in front of others and later calling for security, prompting several candidates to walk out.Rocha condemned Nawat’s conduct, saying it violated the values of respect and dignity that the organization stands for.“I will not allow the values of respect and dignity toward women to be violated,” Rocha said. “Unfortunately, Nawat has forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host.”He described the incident as “a serious abuse” and “an act of intimidation against a defenseless woman.”“My great indignation [is] toward Nawat for the public aggression he committed against Fátima Bosch,” Rocha said. “He showed lack of respect in addition to the serious abuse of having called security to intimidate a defenseless woman, trying to silence and exclude her.”Rocha said he had issued orders to avoid any further interaction with Nawat and moved to restrict his participation in the 74th Miss Universe competition.“Nawat, you have to stop,” he said. “I will not allow any of [the contestants] to be attacked and humiliated. The only ones who should shine are the contestants.”
