Fátima Bosch Fernández, the 25-year-old Miss Universe Mexico 2025, has recently found herself at the center of a controversy involving Nawat Itsaragrisil, a prominent figure in the Miss Universe Organization. The incident has sparked discussions about respect, dignity, and the treatment of women in the world of beauty pageants.
Bosch was born on May 19, 2000, in Teapa, Tabasco, Mexico. She began her education at Colegio Arji and Instituto Cumbres Villahermosa. Later, she pursued studies in Clothing and Fashion Design at the Universidad Iberoamericana. She also studied at the Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (NABA) in Milan and at the Lyndon Institute in Vermont, United States. Bosch made history by becoming the first woman from Tabasco to win the Miss Universe Mexico crown. Prior to her participation in Miss Universe Mexico, she won the Flor de Oro crown in 2018.
The controversy unfolded during a pre-pageant event in Bangkok, Thailand, where the 74th Miss Universe competition is set to take place. Itsaragrisil, who is the chairman of the Miss Universe Thailand Host Committee and a vice-president within the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), publicly reprimanded Bosch in front of other contestants. He accused her of not fulfilling a sponsored photoshoot obligation and not promoting Thailand sufficiently, implying that her national director had instructed her to do so.
Bosch attempted to defend herself, but Itsaragrisil interrupted her, demanding confirmation that she would post about Thailand. According to reports, he called her a "dummy". Bosch stood her ground, asserting her right to speak and accusing Itsaragrisil of disrespecting her as a woman. "As women, you need to show respect for us," she stated, adding, "I'm here representing a country, and it's not my fault that you have problems with my organization". Security was called, and Bosch walked out of the event, with several other contestants, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig, following in solidarity.
Following the incident, Bosch shared her perspective on Instagram, stating that Itsaragrisil was "not respectful" and had called her "dumb". She emphasized that she had followed the rules and remained kind throughout the experience, and that "the world needs to see this because we are empowered women, and this is a platform for our voice".
The Miss Universe Organization has since responded to the controversy. MUO President Raúl Rocha released a video denouncing Itsaragrisil's actions, criticizing his "malicious acts" against Bosch, and announced that Itsaragrisil's role in the competition would be restricted. "Nawat humiliated, insulted, and he showed a lack of respect, in addition to the serious abuse of having called security to intimidate a defenseless woman, trying to silence and exclude her," Rocha stated. Itsaragrisil has issued apologies for the controversy, though he denied calling Bosch a "dumb head," claiming he said "damage". However, he has not directly apologized to Bosch.
The incident has drawn widespread attention, with many pageant fans and fellow contestants expressing their support for Bosch and criticizing Itsaragrisil's behavior. Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, has also defended Bosch, praising her courage as a symbol of women's dignity.
