Miss Universe executive Nawat Itsaragrisil breaks down amid mounting pressure

The emotional scene unfolded during Wednesday’s welcoming ceremony amid growing tensions between Itsaragrisil, who also serves as president of Miss Grand International (MGI), and the Miss Universe Organization (MUO). The dispute began on Nov. 2, after MUO canceled an online voting event he organized, deeming it "invalid."

Tensions flared further at the sashing ceremony a day earlier, where several contestants reportedly walked out following a dispute between Itsaragrisil and Miss Universe Mexico, according to Thailand’s Thairath newspaper cited by Dan Tri.

MUO president Raul Rocha later condemned Itsaragrisil for what he described as "malicious acts" and an "obsession with being the center of attention."

Rocha accused him of disrespecting contestants and announced that Itsaragrisil had been barred from participating in the competition.

Rocha said MUO have restricted Itsaragrisil from participating in the competition and assigned senior executives Mario Bucaro and Ronald Day to Thailand to oversee preparations.

On the afternoon of Nov. 5, Itsaragrisil made an appearance at a press conference to apologize, according to USA Today. He said had been aggressive but wanted the best for the pageant and expressed hope for continued cooperation.

Miss Universe executive director and President of Miss Grand International Nawat Itsaragrisil and Miss Universe 2025 contestants. Photo from Facebook/Miss Universe Thailand

He said in tears that he was under pressure, felt betrayed and forced to apologize while, in his view, others continued to hurt him.

He said he had several disagreements with MUO, particularly over alleged illegal online gambling promotions. Itsaragrisil said he had filed a report with Thai police and said he wanted to protect the contestants’ dignity and the reputation of the pageant.

Itsaragrisil said Rocha could not limit his authority because his company MGI holds the official hosting rights for Miss Universe 2025, and he said he was trying to prevent contestants from being used to promote illegal activities.

He said he had invested more than 6 million USD in Miss Universe 2025, and that tensions rose after some contestants refused to fulfil their contracts with sponsors.

Miss Universe 2025 is scheduled for Nov. 2 to Nov. 21 in Thailand with 122 contestants. Vietnam is represented by transgender model Nguyen Huong Giang.

Contestants have completed some early event activities such as filming, meetings, and received their sashes. The national costume, swimsuit, evening gown, and closed-door interview rounds will determine the top 30, top 12, top 5, and the final winner of Miss Universe 2025.