Miss Universe Organizer Apologizes After Outburst Toward Miss Mexico
In a recent incident leading up to the Miss Universe competition, a top organizer issued an apology after a confrontation with Miss Mexico. Nawat Itsaragrisil, who co-owns the Miss Universe Organization, faced backlash when he scolded Fátima Bosch for her lack of participation in promotional activities.
Event Overview
The confrontation occurred during a livestream event. Itsaragrisil accused Ms. Bosch and her representatives of undermining promotional efforts. Responding to his reprimand, Ms. Bosch defended her position, stating she was there to represent Mexico. Following the altercation, some contestants chose to walk out in solidarity with her.
Contestants’ Reactions
- Contestants left the venue after Ms. Bosch was escorted by security.
- Videos shared on social media showed the walkout and protests.
Despite the incident, the competition proceeded as planned. The following evening, Itsaragrisil apologized to all competing contestants, including over 100 representatives present on stage.
Background on Miss Universe
The Miss Universe pageant, founded in 1952 by a Californian swimwear company, is one of the most recognized beauty contests globally. Currently, the Miss Universe Organization asserts ownership of the brand, generating revenue through licensing and broadcasting rights.
Organizational Changes
In recent years, interest in beauty pageants has waned, affecting the organization’s revenues. The Miss Universe Organization now operates under Thai ownership, following a significant purchase by JKN, a Thai media company, in 2022 for $20 million. This acquisition was celebrated as a boost for Thailand’s tourism sector.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1996-2015 | Owned by Donald Trump |
| 2022 | Acquired by JKN |
| 2023 | Nawat Itsaragrisil purchases stake in JKN |
Further Developments
Following the acquisition, JKN faced financial difficulties, leading to bankruptcy. It later sold half of the organization to Raul Rocha Cantu, a Mexican businessman. The prior CEO of JKN, Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, stepped down amid allegations of business irregularities.
While Ms. Bosch and Mr. Itsaragrisil have yet to comment on the events, the Miss Universe Organization continues to navigate challenges in the evolving landscape of beauty pageants.
