Originally appeared on E! Online
Miss Universe Mexico is not letting anyone dim her shine.
After Fátima Bosch was publicly chastised by Nawat Itsaragrisi during a Miss Universe pre-sash ceremony in Thailand, calling the 25-year-old “dumb” for not following through with an obligation of the competition and having security oust her from the event, she has responded.
“I just want to let my country know, I’m not afraid to make my voice heard,” Bosch said in an interview, translated from Spanish and shared on Instagram. “It’s here stronger than ever. I have a purpose. I have things to say.”
Indeed, Bosch slammed the antiquated approach to pageantry Itsaragrisi displayed, adding, “We’re in the 21st century.”
“I’m not a doll to be made up, styled and have my clothes changed,” she continued. “I came here to be a voice for all the women and all the girls who fight for causes and to tell my country that I’m completely committed to that.”
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According to USA Today, Itsaragrisi is a Thai businessman who is president of Miss Grand International and “vice president for Asia and Oceania within the Miss Universe Organization.”
In addition to Bosch, the official Miss Universe social media accounts also condemned Itsaragrisi’s words — which were captured on Miss Universe Thailand’s Facebook livestream — sharing a video statement by president Raúl Rocha.
“I want to express my solidarity and support to all delegates representing the 122 countries at the Miss Universe competition, in which Thailand is our host country,” Rocha said in a statement in Spanish. “I will not allow the values of respect and dignity toward women to be violated.”
Rocha went on to note that Itsaragrisi had forgotten the “true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host.”
“It means to demonstrate to all delegates of all countries that he as a host has an obligation to serve them, assist them,” he continued. “To ensure they have a unique live experience filled with kindness and courtesy.”
The Miss Universe president noted that Itsaragrisi had disrespected the “friendly and healthy competition” the organization seeks to cultivate.
“I would like to make it clear,” he added. “My great indignation toward Nawat for the public aggression he committed against Fátima Bosch, Miss Universe Mexico.”
Rocha emphasized that the host had “humiliated” and “insulted” the pageant star, adding, “He showed a lack of respect in addition to the serious abuse of having called security to intimidate a defenseless woman.”
Itsaragrisi’s role in the Miss Universe pageant will be limited, Rocha confirmed.
“I wish to reiterate that Miss Universe is an empowering platform for women,” he concluded in his statement. “So their voices can be heard in this world.”
