Miss Universe Organization Issues Apology Following Controversial Rant at Miss Mexico
Following a controversial incident involving Miss Mexico, the Miss Universe Organization has issued an apology. Nawat Itsaragrisil, co-owner and prominent figure of the organization, faced backlash after berating Fátima Bosch during a promotional event. This incident led to a brief walkout by several contestants in protest.
Details of the Incident
During a livestreamed event, Mr. Itsaragrisil criticized Bosch for her absence from promotional activities. In response, Ms. Bosch defended her position, stating, “I’m here representing my country, and it’s not my fault that you have problems with my organization.” Tensions escalated when Mr. Itsaragrisil called for security to remove her from the venue, prompting a group of contestants to walk out in solidarity.
Competitors’ Response
- Contestants remained silent during the confrontation.
- Several women left the event alongside Miss Mexico.
- Footage of the walkout circulated widely on social media.
Reactions and Apologies
In the aftermath, Mr. Nawat issued a public apology on stage, which took place in front of over 100 competitors. Raul Rocha Cantu, another co-owner of the organization, criticized Mr. Itsaragrisil’s behavior, affirming that contestants should never be “attacked and humiliated.” Neither Ms. Bosch nor Mr. Nawat provided immediate comments following the incident.
Overview of the Miss Universe Organization
The Miss Universe competition, established in 1952 by a California swimwear brand, is one of the world’s most prestigious beauty pageants. Currently based in Thailand, it has faced challenges in maintaining interest from broadcasters and sponsors in recent years.
Ownership History
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1996 | Donald Trump acquires ownership. |
| 2015 | Trump sells the organization to Endeavor. |
| 2022 | JKN acquires the organization for $20 million. |
| 2023 | Nawat Itsaragrisil purchases a stake in JKN. |
Despite difficulties, the Miss Universe Organization continues to operate and adapt. The recent apology serves as a reminder of the complexities of managing a global event with diverse cultural representations.