“You’re a dumb head” – Miss Universe clash sparks a storm on the socials

A Miss Universe pre-pageant event in Bangkok has spiraled into scandal after president Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly shamed Miss Mexico on a livestream, sparking walkouts, viral backlash, and renewed questions about sexism and power inside global pageants

When you go out of your way to rile people, especially when it’s prehistoric misogyny as just witnessed in the Miss Universe beauty pageant, of course, you can expect a firestorm back.

The event in Bangkok (Thailand), where contestants gathered for a pre-pageant “sashing/meet-and-greet” event, was livestreamed on Facebook.

At about the 13-minute mark, Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly called out Miss Mexico (Fátima Bosch): “Mexico, where are you?” and then accused her of not posting social-media content promoting Thailand. Itsaragrisil, clearly enraged and aiming to humiliate Bosch, said: “If you follow the order from your national director, you’re a dumb head.”

My question is: Can you follow our steps or not? You can post or not? You can work to promote Thailand or not? Yes or no?
Nawat Itsaragrisil

Bosch attempted to respond: “Because I have a voice. You are not respecting me as a woman.” Security was then called, as Bosch stood up and others began to walk out of the meeting/ceremony in solidarity.

Several contestants, including the reigning Miss Universe from Denmark, Viktoria Kjær Theilvig, walked out of the event, citing the behaviour as disrespectful.

Social media exploded: hashtags and posts calling out the organisation, condemning the “dumb head” remark, and demanding respect and dignity for women.

The reaction on X was predictably mixed, with some theorizing that it could be fixed, with a view to securing victory with Miss Mexico. But the more cynical among the reactions were decrying the petty attempt at misogyny.

@Blazebazed taunted back: “Lmao, being a tough guy in front of females has to be the most uttering low level in life you can get. I don’t use mics, I don’t conversate, but I would definitely love to have 5 mins with him.”

Lmao being a tough guy infront of females has to be the most uttering low level in life you can get.

I don’t use mics , I don’t conversate, but I would def love to have 5 mins with him
undefined Blaze✳️ (@blazebazed) November 6, 2025

In a more official light, the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) responded with a statement, and its president, Raúl Rocha Cantú, condemned Itsaragrisil’s behaviour publicly: “I will not allow the values of respect and dignity toward women to be violated.”

Itsaragrisil issued an apology via his social-media channels: “If someone doesn’t feel well… if anyone was affected, I apologize to everyone. I already spoke and apologized to the rest of the girls in the room, about 75 girls.”

The controversy raises larger questions about the pageant’s culture, the role of social-media obligations for contestants, and how power dynamics play out on a global stage.

"We're in the 21st century, and I'm not a doll to be made up, styled, and have my clothes changed," Bosch said afterward in response to the incident.