The director of Miss Universe Thailand, Nawat Itsaragrisil, apologized on stage Wednesday after a live stream of him berating contestants — and insulting Miss Mexico — went viral, prompting several delegates to walk out.
“If anyone (was) affected and not comfortable (with what) happened, I’m so sorry,” Nawat said, adding: “I think you have to understand that the pressure is a lot. I’m human. Sometimes I can’t control… I didn’t mean to hurt anybody because I respect all of you…”
“I want to (use) this opportunity to… apologize to the delegates… And I’m also sorry to (Miss) Universe and around the world. But I want all the true message to be the right (one)… Please check everything on our website,” he continued.
Controversy erupted at a pre-competition ceremony when Nawat publicly told off Mexico’s Fatima Bosch in front of dozens of contestants for failing to post promotional content.
When she objected, he called security and threatened to disqualify those who supported her, after which Bosch left the room and others joined her in solidarity.
Among those who walked out on Tuesday was reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig from Denmark.
Despite the controversy, Miss Universe activities continued and contestants attended a welcome event in Bangkok on Wednesday. The new Miss Universe will be crowned on November 21.
