Who is Fátima Bosch and why is the Miss Universe Mexico being called ‘dumb’ by Thai pageant director Nawat Itsaragrisil

The Miss Universe 2025 pageant has been thrown into controversy after a tense confrontation between Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, and Thai pageant director Nawat Itsaragrisil went viral. During a live-streamed event in Thailand, held ahead of the official sash ceremony, Itsaragrisil publicly questioned Bosch about missing a sponsor shoot and, in the heated exchange that followed, called her “dumb” before asking for security to intervene. The incident, which prompted Bosch and several contestants, including the reigning Miss Universe, to walk out, has left many asking: Who is Fátima Bosch, and what led the Thai executive to insult her on camera?

Also Read: ‘He called me dumb’: Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch walks out of Miss Universe 2025 event after clash with Thai director on camera; here’s what happened

Why did the Thai director call Miss Universe Mexico dumb?

During the sashing ceremony, Nawat Itsaragrisil, who serves as Vice President for Asia and Oceania for the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) and also directs the Miss Grand International (MGI) pageant, publicly confronted Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch over her absence from an earlier sponsor shoot. In front of dozens of contestants and cameras, he demanded that Bosch stand and explain why she missed the event.

When Bosch attempted to respond, defending herself and questioning the tone of the confrontation, Nawat interrupted and called her “dumb,” escalating the tension in the room. He then asked for “security,” appearing to suggest that she be escorted out.

Speaking to reporters afterward, Bosch said she felt humiliated by the incident. “I really love Thailand. I respect everyone; I think they are amazing people. But what the director just did was disrespectful; he called me ‘dumb’ because he has issues with the organization,” she said. The reigning Miss Universe later voiced her support for Bosch, calling for greater respect and professionalism within the pageant.

Also Read: Miss Universe Thailand Director Nawat Itsaragrisil issues apology after calling Miss Mexico ‘dumb’; who is he and his past controversies?

Who is Fátima Bosch?

Fátima Bosch, 25 is a Mexican model and hails from Santiago de Teapa in the state of Tabasco, Mexico. A graduate in fashion and apparel design, she was crowned Miss Universe Mexico 2025 on September 13 at the Government Palace in Guadalajara, Jalisco. According to Hola! USA, Bosch had no prior pageant experience before taking part in Miss Universe Mexico, though she had been invited several times since 2019.Bosch has spoken openly about growing up with dyslexia, ADHD, and hyperactivity, experiences that often made her a target of bullying. These challenges, she says, inspired her to dedicate herself to community work from the age of 14.

Fátima Bosch’s controversy

Her win, however, wasn’t without controversy. Only four of the 31 contestants embraced her after she was crowned, while most appeared to rally around the first runner-up — a moment that quickly went viral. She has also faced questions about her family’s alleged political ties, but as she told Hola!: “I am very proud of my family. They are honest, hardworking individuals… Neither I nor my family is defined by what others create.”