ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
Advocates Philippines
Pageant In Turmoil: Miss Universe Organization Reaffirms Commitment Amid 2025 Competition
Screengrab from Miss Universe
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has released a statement reaffirming its dedication to respect, safety, and integrity for all participants and stakeholders ahead of the 74th edition of the pageant in Thailand.
The reaffirmation comes after a publicised incident involving Nawat Itsaragrisil — the Thai pageant executive and head of the host committee — which triggered a walk-out by several contestants during a sash‑ceremony event on November 4, 2025. Itsaragrisil reportedly berated Fátima Bosch, Miss Mexico, for allegedly refusing to participate in a host-country promotional shoot, prompting other contestants to exit in solidarity.
In its statement, MUO emphasized its close collaboration with the host country, the local organizing body, and all partners to ensure the competition remains smooth and professional, built upon the values of diversity, empowerment, and inclusion. The organization confirmed that all scheduled events and activities will proceed as planned in full cooperation with Thai authorities and the host committee.
MUO President Raúl Rocha Cantú condemned Itsaragrisil’s conduct, stating that he would not allow the values of respect and dignity toward women to be violated. The organization also announced that Itsaragrisil’s role in official pageant activities would be restricted or limited, and that MUO CEO Mario Búcaro has traveled to Thailand to coordinate directly with local organizers and authorities.
The incident has raised wider concerns about contestant treatment, oversight of host committees, and how global pageants manage conduct and power dynamics behind the scenes. For delegates and the global audience, it underscores that even high-glamour events are vulnerable to drama and equity issues.
With this renewed commitment, MUO assures fans and participants alike that the 74th Miss Universe pageant will remain a showcase of elegance, empowerment, and international collaboration — but this week’s events have made clear that the organization must also confront internal governance and reputational risks.
The reaffirmation comes after a publicised incident involving Nawat Itsaragrisil — the Thai pageant executive and head of the host committee — which triggered a walk-out by several contestants during a sash‑ceremony event on November 4, 2025. Itsaragrisil reportedly berated Fátima Bosch, Miss Mexico, for allegedly refusing to participate in a host-country promotional shoot, prompting other contestants to exit in solidarity.
In its statement, MUO emphasized its close collaboration with the host country, the local organizing body, and all partners to ensure the competition remains smooth and professional, built upon the values of diversity, empowerment, and inclusion. The organization confirmed that all scheduled events and activities will proceed as planned in full cooperation with Thai authorities and the host committee.
MUO President Raúl Rocha Cantú condemned Itsaragrisil’s conduct, stating that he would not allow the values of respect and dignity toward women to be violated. The organization also announced that Itsaragrisil’s role in official pageant activities would be restricted or limited, and that MUO CEO Mario Búcaro has traveled to Thailand to coordinate directly with local organizers and authorities.
The incident has raised wider concerns about contestant treatment, oversight of host committees, and how global pageants manage conduct and power dynamics behind the scenes. For delegates and the global audience, it underscores that even high-glamour events are vulnerable to drama and equity issues.
With this renewed commitment, MUO assures fans and participants alike that the 74th Miss Universe pageant will remain a showcase of elegance, empowerment, and international collaboration — but this week’s events have made clear that the organization must also confront internal governance and reputational risks.
Nov 6, 2025
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