Thai mogul Nawat Itsaragrisil is once again at the center of pageant conversations—this time for distancing himself from the highly scrutinized results of Miss Universe 2025, which crowned Mexico’s Fatima Bosch last 21 November in Thailand. Though he served as hosting committee chair for the 74th edition and continues to be one of the most visible figures in Southeast Asian pageantry, Nawat stressed that he had no influence whatsoever on the outcome.

In a recent interview during the homecoming media conference of Miss Grand International 2025, he addressed the swirling controversies head-on. He acknowledged that while he played a major role in organizing the event, the authority to determine the winner never belonged to him.

“On our part, I [was part of the committee where we were] the host country for Miss Universe. I [did] a lot of things since Day One for 20 days. But the result is only from the Miss Universe Organization. I cannot touch it. I cannot do anything. I never knew about the result before, that’s why I cannot say anything,” Nawat said.

Respecting Fans’ Reactions

With online debates continuing weeks after Bosch’s crowning, Nawat maintained that fans have every right to react passionately—whether in support or in disagreement.

“But I accept the result because it means that it’s already finished. But by the way, [for] pageant fans, if you agree or not agree, you have your voice. You have your own opinion. I always accept every opinion… we still have more than 300 days to approve [or] prove if it’s true or not,” he said, acknowledging the rigging accusations that stemmed from French-Lebanese musician Omar Harfouch’s claims.

Harfouch alleged that MUO president Raul Rocha pushed him to favor Bosch—an allegation Rocha has denied.

“Bosch Must Prove Herself”

Despite the noise surrounding her win, Nawat emphasized that the true measure of a Miss Universe happens not on coronation night, but throughout her year-long reign.

“We have to think about how she’ll carry the crown. For MGI, the most important thing is that when she wore the crown on her head, it doesn’t mean success. The success is during the time of your reign. Three hundred sixty-five days later, she will have room to prove who she is and how worthy she is,” he explained.

He added, “If you don’t agree with the result, we respect you. You have your voice. But on my side, I don’t have any idea… I hope she will continue with her success. At this moment, let her prove herself.”

The Pre-Pageant Clash

Before finals night, tension between Nawat and Bosch had already gone public. During a sashing ceremony, he called her out for allegedly failing to fulfil sponsor requirements—an encounter that Bosch later described as disrespectful. She claimed he even called her “dumb” in front of fellow delegates, prompting her to walk out of the venue, followed by reigning queen Victoria Theilvig and several other candidates.

Nawat later apologized for the episode, though he maintained he never used the word she accused him of saying.

As discussions around Miss Universe 2025 continue, Nawat’s statements offer a clearer picture of the backstage dynamics—placing the responsibility of transparency on the Miss Universe Organization, and the pressure of proving worth on Fatima Bosch, who now carries the weight of a crown won amid controversy.