Miss Universe Thailand director shares his side after MUO restricts his involvement in competition
After his participation in the 74th Miss Universe competition was stripped down to the minimum, Miss Universe Thailand national director Nawat Itsaragrisil shared his side of the story at the Miss Universe Host Country event on Nov. 5.
Standing in front of the delegates on stage toward the end of the event, Itsaragrisil, who is also the vice president of Miss Universe Asiana, expressed his pleasure at being part of the pageant's host country this year.
He also took the opportunity to address, albeit indirectly, the controversial walkout of some delegates that had happened the day before.
"You must understand the pressure is a lot," Itsaragrisil said. "I am human. Sometimes I cannot control. But by the way, I have not [intended] to harm anyone. Because I respect all of you."
"I have to say I'm so sorry this happened. I want to take this opportunity to apologize for the delegates," he added.
"If anyone [was] not comfortable this happened, I'm so sorry," Itsaragrisil said as he turned to face the candidates to bow to them.
"Also, I'm sorry for the [Miss] Universe fans around the world, too. I wish all messages must be right. Because I saw so many messages [that showed] some [words] that I didn't say. Please check everything on our website," he continued.
Some media outlets reported he called Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch "dumb" the day before while he was publicly reprimanding her for being absent from a sponsor shoot. Soon after, Bosch walked out of the venue, followed by a few other delegates.
"But it's past," Itsaragrisil said.
He went on to share his excitement about the coming activities, culminating in the "big event, with 14,000 seats for the fans coming to enjoy on the 21st," he added, referring to the coronation event on Nov. 21.
In a more emotional address, Itsaragrisil spoke to members of Thai press outside the venue, where he was more candid.
"It's like I'm always being bullied for no reason," Itsaragrisil claimed before the gathered reporters in Thai while starting to tear up.
Aside from the controversial walkout of delegates at what was supposed to be the sashing ceremony, the Miss Universe Organization objected to certain "unauthorized" events mounted by Miss Universe Thailand.
Specifically, MUO said it did not authorize the "Special Dinner & Talk Show" with Itsaragrisil, where netizens were asked to vote on Facebook and Instagram for their favorite candidates via reactions and shares.
Itsaragrisil previously explained these activities were part of the official marketing package the host country promised sponsors.
In his tearful press conference, Itsaragrisil expressed feeling sorry for the Thai people.
"I feel sorry for Thailand. I feel sorry for our sponsors," he said.
