Miss Universe Thailand director apologizes after viral walkout incident of Miss Mexico, other contestants

The controversy with this year's Miss Universe Mexico and other candidates continues with a livestreamed apology. 

Hours after his Nov. 4 confrontation with Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch during a pre-pageant ceremony, Thai pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil went on social media to issue an apology. It was in reference to the sashing ceremony when Itsaragrisil publicly confronted Bosch about her absence at a sponsor shoot earlier in the day, prompting Bosch and other contestants to walk out of the event. 

“If anyone [was] feeling not good, if anyone [was not] comfortable, if anyone [was affected], I do apologize [to] everyone. But I did talk, apologize to the rest of the girls in the room, around 75 still,” said a subdued Itsaragrisil on his Instagram Stories, avoiding mentioning anyone by name. 

Itsaragrisil, the founder of the Miss Grand International pageant and national director of Miss Universe Thailand, serves as vice president for Asia and Oceania for the Miss Universe Organization. His apology has since gone viral and reposted by pageant fans on different social media platforms.

Viral pre-pageant incident

The sashing ceremony where the walkout occured was held at the Miss Universe delegates' hotel. The live broadcast of the event showed Itsaragrisil asking Bosch to stand and explain her absence at the shoot earlier, as well as clarify why she was not posting about Thailand during the pre-pageant activities, but was open to being filmed by Telemundo.

Reports say Bosch spoke up in her defense as Itsaragrisil interrupted her. Moments later, Bosch walked out, with several other delegates, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig, to leave the event in solidarity. 

A video that caught the confrontation showed Itsaragrisil telling the delegates who were walking out with Bosch to, "Stop. Stop. Security," as he asked the women to sit down. 

Before posting his apology, Itsaragrisil announced on Facebook that he had met with representatives of Miss Universe Mexico and senior Miss Universe Organization executives to discuss the controversy.

"I just finished the meeting with MUO Mexico. Thank you very much for understanding and collaborating," he wrote, also sharing an official statement from the Miss Universe Organization. 

On their Facebook page, the Miss Universe Organization wrote, "The Miss Universe Organization reaffirms its commitment to working closely with the host community, the Miss Grand Internatioanl Organization and all local partners to ensure the continued success of the 74th Miss Universe competition. Together, we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of respect, safety, and integrity for all participants, staff, and stakeholders."

The organization announced a "high-level delegation" would be traveling to Thailand, led by its chief executive officer Mario Bucaro, "to strengthen collaboration with the host country, MGI, and relevant authorities."

Their aim is to "coordinate efforts, ensure a secure and professional environment for all delegates, and reaffirm MUO’s commitment to transparency, respect, and unity," the statement continued. 

One with Miss Mexico

Expressing its support for Bosch, the Miss Universe Mexico organization, in turn, released a statement following the incident.

They said that what happened "is unacceptable. No woman, under any circumstance, deserves to be insulted or humiliated."

"We firmly believe in the values that Miss Universe promotes: respect, dignity, and empowerment. We know that this platform was not created to divide or degrade, but to uplift women and give them their voice and vote in the world."

"The behavior of a person who does not belong to MU does not represent our beloved Miss Universe organization, nor does it reflect the spirit of unity and respect we uphold."

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

Sharing a video of Bosch walking out of the hotel toward the Miss Universe buses amid cheers from the crowd, the Miss Universe Mexico organization added, "Mexican women are always getting up. We will always raise our face and soul high, because the voice of [Fátima Bosch] carries with it the voice of women of the world."

"Today we don't only speak for Mexico, we speak for all those who deserve respect, dignity, and recognition."

The Miss Universe Mexico organization continued its series of solidarity posts. In another IG entry, they wrote: "From Mexico to the world, we remember something clear: Respect is not optional. Empowerment is not a fashion. It is our right."

The organization has yet to release a statement regarding Itsaragrisil's apology.