Following the public outcry and backlash, Nawat Itsaragrisil issued a public apology for his behavior towards Fátima Bosch and the other contestants. In a statement released on his Instagram account, Itsaragrisil expressed regret for his actions and acknowledged that he had let his emotions get the best of him during the sash ceremony.
“I deeply regret the way I spoke to Fátima and the other contestants at the sash ceremony. My behavior was unacceptable and I take full responsibility for my actions. I apologize to Fátima, the Miss Universe Organization, and all the contestants for any hurt or discomfort I may have caused,” Itsaragrisil said in his apology.
Itsaragrisil also stated that he would be taking a leave of absence from his roles at the Miss Grand International Organization and Miss Universe Asia to reflect on his behavior and seek personal growth.
Miss Universe Mexico Fátima Bosch responded to Itsaragrisil’s apology with a message of forgiveness and understanding. In an Instagram post, Bosch expressed her gratitude for the apology and emphasized the importance of moving forward with positivity and unity.
“I accept Nawat’s apology and hope that we can all learn from this experience and come together in a spirit of forgiveness and understanding. Let us focus on celebrating the diversity and empowerment of all women,” Bosch wrote.
The Miss Universe Organization also released a statement in support of Itsaragrisil’s decision to take a leave of absence and expressed their commitment to promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity within the pageant community.
“We commend Nawat Itsaragrisil for taking accountability for his actions and making the decision to step back and reflect. The Miss Universe Organization is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all contestants and stakeholders, and we will continue to uphold the values of diversity and empowerment in all our endeavors,” the statement read.
As the Miss Universe pageant approaches, the focus now shifts to celebrating the achievements and talents of all the contestants, while also promoting a message of unity and understanding within the pageant community. The controversy surrounding Nawat Itsaragrisil and Fátima Bosch serves as a reminder of the importance of respect and empathy in all interactions, both on and off the stage.
