Miss Universe Clash: Legal Firestorm Erupts Over "Detrimental" vs. "Brainless" Remark

The 2025 Miss Universe pageant is already making headlines, potentially surpassing past controversies. At the heart of it is Thai executive Nawat Itsaragrisil, who leads Miss Universe Thailand, now having initiated legal action for alleged slander against the pageant's victor, Mexican participant Fátima Bosch Fernández.

"We want to confirm that Mr. Nawat Itsaragrisil did not refer to Ms. Fátima Bosch as 'brainless.' His actual word was 'damage,' as is evident in the widely shared audio recordings," states the translated legal filing, which appeared on the official Miss Universe Thailand Facebook page.

The declaration further claims that Bosch, aged 25, exited the venue and "promptly made an untrue allegation to the press," asserting the contrary. It adds that she never offered an apology, instead persistently making false claims. "This was seemingly to her advantage and to defend herself during the contest," the document asserts.

Ultimately, the document cautions that "suitable legal measures will be pursued, to the full extent of the law," should Bosch persist in making "slanderous remarks." It also suggests potential legal action against media organizations for "colluding and being accessories."

"Detrimental" or "Without Intellect"? The Exchange Between Fátima Bosch and Nawat Itsaragrisil

During the sash presentation ceremony on November 4 (local time), the Thai executive and the Mexican contestant engaged in a fiery dispute, culminating in Fátima Bosch exiting the room. Other participants also joined her, having observed the contentious scene.

Nawat Itsaragrisil reportedly faulted her for failing to share content about the host nation, Thailand, on social media. Despite her clarification that it was a miscommunication, the executive supposedly uttered the phrase that ignited the dispute: "If you comply with your national director's directives, you lack intelligence." Nevertheless, the recent declaration specifies that the term employed was in fact "detrimental."

Upon exiting, Miss Mexico spoke to the press, stating: "Your director's actions were offensive. He labeled me brainless due to his conflict with the organization, and I find that unjust."

Bosch further stressed her advocacy for the women participating in the pageant: "I feel it's crucial for the world to witness this, as we are empowered women, and this serves as a platform for our expressions. No one can suppress our voices; no one will do that to me," she proclaimed.

Raúl Rocha, Chief Executive Officer of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), Supports Fátima Bosch

Subsequent to the event, Nawat, at 60 years old, was not only dismissed from the competition but also encountered legal repercussions. The lawsuit's existence was verified by Mexican entrepreneur Raúl Rocha Cantú, who is a co-owner and president of the MUO, during his media addresses.

Even with Nawat's emotional apology, senior leadership deemed it insufficient.

"I have instructed our CEO, Mario Búcaro, to conduct meetings in Thailand and liaise with local lawyers concerning the forthcoming legal steps," Rocha informed the YouTube channel Tony Star TV.

Ultimately, Fátima Bosch secured the Miss Universe title, yet the memory of that confrontation persists, alongside numerous disputes suggesting the victory was predetermined due to business ties between her father and entrepreneur Raúl Rocha. The model maintains that "all of it is false" and asserts confidently: "I triumphed."