What began as an annual ceremony in Bangkok advanced into one of the explosive controversies in Miss Universe historical past, exposing conflicts in public. Deep cracks inside the pageant group And it reignited conversations about dignity, respect and ladies’s empowerment on the world stage.
The Miss Universe Group has appointed Mario Bucaro as its new CEO, changing Anne Jakrajutatip, who resigned on June 20 as a result of reorganization of Thailand’s JKN International Group. Bucaro, a former diplomat, took over the position lower than a month earlier than the 2025 Miss Universe pageant.
Timing, it seems, is essential. Behind the scenes, tensions had been excessive between MUO president Raul Rocha Cantu and Thai govt Nawat Issaragrisil, who on the time was additionally president of Miss Grand Worldwide and vice chairman of the Miss Universe group for Asia and Oceania.
November 2, 2025
The pageant begins and tensions rise.
Greater than 120 candidates arrived in Thailand for the 74th Miss Universe pageant and obtained a heat Thai welcome at Suvarnabhumi Worldwide Airport. Members started their journey with a becoming, photograph shoot, and registration at Chatrium Resort Riverside in Bangkok.
Nevertheless, behind the glitzy welcome, tensions had been already rising. Nawat Isaragrisil, Nationwide Director of Miss Universe Thailand and Govt Director of Miss Universe Group (MUO), inspired pageant followers to vote for the contestants at a particular dinner and speak present. Nevertheless, MUO shortly issued a press release declaring all occasions not introduced by verified channels to be unauthorized.
In response, Miss Universe Thailand asserted that “as an formally sanctioned organizing group, we reserve the proper to handle and perform such promotional actions inside our territory.”
The rift between Nawat and the primary Miss Universe group was changing into public.
November 3, 2025
viral battle
The disaster reached a breaking level throughout a celebration ceremony that was alleged to happen on the delegates’ lodge.
The incident occurred throughout a tasqi ceremony on the delegation’s lodge, throughout which Nawat publicly questioned Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch’s failure to take part in a sponsored photograph shoot. Mr Nawat is claimed to have referred to as the Mexican mannequin “dumb”.
A video circulating on-line through which Bosch will be heard saying, “We respect you as a lot as you respect us. I am right here representing my nation. It is not my fault you’ve gotten issues with my group.” Nawat replied, “No, you have to first take heed to me after which talk about.”
On account of this trade, Bosch and several other others, together with present Miss Universe Viktoria Kjær Teilvig, left the room and expressed to the pageant press corps stationed outdoors their regrets on the means the scenario had been dealt with. “We’ve got respect for everybody, however this isn’t the way in which issues must be dealt with. Disparaging different ladies is past impolite.”
As the ladies had been about to go away, they heard Nawat’s voice say, “Please cease, safety.”
Exterior the venue, Bosch addressed native Thai media and delivered a strong message of dignity and empowerment. “I really like Thailand. I’ve a deep respect for the Thai individuals and tradition,” she stated. “However what your director simply did was disrespectful. He referred to as me silly as a result of there’s one thing mistaken with the group. It is not honest. I am right here doing my finest and being good to everybody. He simply attacked me and instructed me to close up. The world wants to grasp this as a result of we’re girls in energy and nobody ought to silence our voices.”
November 4, 2025
Nawat apologizes
Nawat apologized in a livestream posted on his social media accounts. “If anybody was offended, uncomfortable or affected, I apologize to everybody. I particularly apologized to the roughly 75 ladies who had been current,” he stated in Thai.
He additionally famous that there’s at present no Miss Universe consultant within the nation, including that Mario Bucaro, CEO of Miss Universe, is “flying in tomorrow as a result of I want somebody who could be very form and has full authority to work with me. That may make issues simpler and get us aligned.”
What began as a battle over sponsorship obligations has develop into a referendum on energy, respect and the therapy of ladies on one of many world’s most seen platforms. For a lot of watching, the controversy represented a long-awaited reckoning, a second when the contestants refused to stay silent, a second when dignity was extra vital than a crown, and a second when the world took discover.
MUO releases official assertion
The Miss Universe Group issued a press release condemning the incident, saying: “Miss Universe Group (MUO) want to lengthen our deepest condolences to the internet hosting neighborhood, Miss Grand Worldwide Group (MGI), and to make sure the continued success of the 74th Miss Universe pageant. “We reaffirm our dedication to working intently with all our native companions. Collectively, we’re dedicated to sustaining the best requirements of respect, security and integrity for all members, employees and stakeholders. A high-level delegation led by our Chief Govt.” Police Officer Mario Bucaro is on a go to to Thailand to strengthen cooperation with the host nation, MGI, and related authorities. ”
It added: “This mission goals to coordinate efforts, guarantee a protected {and professional} setting for all delegates, and reaffirm MUO’s dedication to transparency, respect and unity. All scheduled occasions and actions will proceed as deliberate, in full cooperation with the host nation and MGI, and can proceed to honor the Miss Universe custom. “The Miss Universe Group stays steadfast in its mission to foster collaboration, cherish respect and alternative for ladies around the globe, and work with all companions to make sure a protected, thrilling and memorable expertise.”
this 12 months, Manika Vishwakarma The Rajasthan native can be representing India on the 74th Miss Universe pageant to be held in Thailand on November 21.
