Miss Universe 2025 Faces Criminal Charges in Thailand
Miss Grand International founder Nawat Itsaragrisil has filed criminal charges against Miss Universe 2025 Fatima Bosch Fernandez of Mexico, following a controversial incident that occurred during the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand.
The legal action stems from a heated confrontation on November 4, 2025, at a hotel ballroom in Thailand during a sashing ceremony. Nawat, who serves as vice-president for Asia and Oceania of the Miss Universe Organization and owns the Miss Universe Thailand franchise, reportedly had a public disagreement with the Mexican beauty queen.
The Controversial Incident
According to widely circulated social media videos, the tension arose when Fatima allegedly skipped a sponsor shoot but participated in a video shoot for Telemundo, the American-Spanish broadcast network that airs the Miss Universe pageant.
The confrontation escalated when Nawat and Miss Mexico engaged in a heated exchange, with the pageant executive apparently expressing concerns about Mexico's national director, Raul Rocha. Following the incident, Fatima walked out of the venue with several contestants who supported her.
In interviews with pageant fans, Fatima claimed she was disrespected by Nawat, stating: "I truly love Thailand. I have so much respect for all of you, and I believe you are amazing people. But what your director, Nawat, just did was not respectful."
She further alleged: "He called me 'dumb' because of his issue with the organization, and I think that's unfair. I believe the world needs to hear and see this, because we are all empowered women."
Official Response and Legal Action
On December 2, Nawat issued an official statement through Miss Universe Thailand's Facebook page and Miss Grand International Public Company Ltd., vehemently denying the accusations.
"We wish to reaffirm that Mr. Nawat Itsaragrisil never called Ms. Fatima Bosch a 'dumbhead.' What he said was 'damage,' which is clearly audible in the voice recordings that have already been widely circulated across various platforms," the statement read.
The statement revealed that Nawat had formally filed a criminal complaint against Fatima in Thailand on November 12, 2025. The legal team warned of additional action if further defamatory statements are made.
The statement also cautioned media outlets against amplifying what they termed "false allegations," threatening legal action against media entities as "co-conspirators in defamation."
Ongoing Controversy
Despite winning the Miss Universe crown, Fatima has continued to address the incident in various interviews, maintaining her version of events. The controversy has cast a shadow over what should have been a celebratory moment for the Mexican beauty queen.
As of this writing, Fatima's representatives have not responded to Nawat's official statement or the criminal charges filed against her in Thailand.
This incident highlights the complex dynamics within international beauty pageants and raises questions about professional conduct and cultural sensitivity in global competitions. The legal proceedings in Thailand will likely determine the resolution of this high-profile dispute between two prominent figures in the pageant world.