Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil apologized on stage on Wednesday after a livestream of him berating contestants – and insulting Miss Mexico – went viral, prompting several delegates to walk out.
“If anyone has been affected and is not comfortable with what happened, I am truly sorry,” Nawat said, adding, “I think you have to understand that the pressure is on. I am a human. Sometimes I can’t control… I didn’t mean to harm anyone because I respect you all…”
“I want to (take) this opportunity to… apologize to the delegates… And, also, I’m sorry to (Miss) Universe and to the whole world too. But I wish all the real message is the right (only) one… Please check everything on our website,” he continued.
Controversy erupted during a pre-pageant ceremony when Nawat publicly criticized Mexican Fatima Bosch in front of dozens of contestants for not posting 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 in a show of solidarity.
Among those who withdrew on Tuesday was reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark.
Despite the dispute, Miss Universe activities continued, with the contestants participating in a welcome event in Bangkok on Wednesday. The new Miss Universe is to be crowned on November 21.
