Racism and reprimands: Explaining the double controversy overshadowing Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand
What began as a dispute between Itsaragrisil and Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch has since spiralled into an international backlash over racism, cultural disrespect and the ethics of pageantry.
SHAH ALAM – The Miss Universe 2025 pageant, set to take place in Thailand on Nov 21, has been overshadowed by a storm of controversy involving former Miss Universe Alicia Machado and Thai pageant director Nawat Itsaragrisil.
What began as a dispute between Itsaragrisil and Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch has since spiralled into an international backlash over racism, cultural disrespect and the ethics of pageantry.
Itsaragrisil’s Public Scolding of Miss Mexico
The controversy began when Itsaragrisil, the director of Miss Universe Thailand and head of the Thai hosting committee, was caught on video publicly reprimanding Miss Mexico, Bosch.
He appeared to call her a “dumb head” for failing to participate in a sponsored photo shoot.
The video quickly went viral, showing Bosch walking out of the conference hall in protest.
Her departure was followed by several other contestants, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Theilvig of Denmark, in a show of solidarity.
Itsaragrisil later issued an apology, claiming he was misheard and that he had actually said the word “damage,” not “dumb head.”
Despite his explanation, the incident triggered widespread criticism, including from several former Miss Universe titleholders such as Sheynnis Palacio (2023), Andrea Meza (2020) and Rachel Gupta, who had previously resigned as Miss Grand International 2024 after a dispute with Itsaragrisil.
Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) president Raúl Rocha soon intervened, announcing restrictions on Nawat’s role in the Thai hosting committee and accusing him of having a “constant desire to be the centre of attention.”
Alicia Machado Enters the Scene
Amid the fallout, former Miss Universe, Machado, who won the crown in 1996, took to social media to comment on the controversy. What followed, however, was a shocking display of racist behaviour.
During her Nov 5 livestream, the Venezuelan-American actress and TV host referred to Itsaragrisil as “that despicable Chinese.”
When viewers attempted to correct her, Machado doubled down, declaring that “everyone with slanted eyes whether Chinese, Thai or Korean, are all Chinese to her.”
She then took off her sunglasses and pulled at the corners of her eyes, a gesture widely recognised as mocking Asian features.
Machado went on to question why Miss Universe 2025 was being held in Thailand, calling the country’s beaches “horrible,” “disgusting,” and “extremely polluted.”
She suggested that the pageant should instead be hosted in the Dominican Republic.
Global Condemnation of Machado’s Racist Remarks
Machado’s comments triggered instant outrage from the international pageant community and beyond.
Filipino publicist and Miss Universe franchise owner Josh Yugen was among the first to speak out.
“It is shocking that in 2025, we still hear such ignorance. Thailand, one of the world’s most welcoming, safe and sophisticated countries deserves respect, not mockery.
“Maybe Machado should actually visit Bangkok and see its first-class hotels, world-class transport and warm-hearted people before talking.
“Her words are proof that racism is still alive and we must continue fighting it; not with hate, but with education. Unfollow ignorance,” Yugen said in an Instagram Story posted on Nov 5, accompanied by a clip from Machado’s livestream.
Miss Grand Zimbabwe, Chelsea Rose Mandizha, also condemned Machado’s actions, stating that her disrespect towards Thailand was “going too far.”
The irony of Machado’s remarks was not lost on many. In 2016, she had spoken out against discrimination after US President Donald Trump fat-shamed her during his ownership of the MUO.
Itsaragrisil’s Response: A Sarcastic ‘Apology’
Itsaragrisil, who was still facing scrutiny for his treatment of Miss Mexico, responded to Machado’s racist outburst with a pointed, sarcastic post on social media.
“Thanks Machado, Miss Universe 1996. I accept your voice and empower you to be such an amazing role model for the Miss Universe factor. I apologise that my country Thailand is not good enough for you,” he said.
The statement, dripping with irony, made clear that Itsaragrisil was less interested in reconciliation than in publicly shaming Machado for her comments.
The Larger Conversation: Racism in Global Pageantry
The fallout from the scandal has reignited global conversations about racism and accountability in international pageantry.
While beauty contests often champion unity, inclusivity and cultural appreciation, incidents like this reveal the lingering presence of prejudice and the intense pressures tied to global representation.
Yugen’s statement—“Her words are proof that racism is still alive”—has been widely echoed by fans and pageant figures on social media, amplifying the #StopAsianHate movement.
Despite the growing backlash, neither Machado nor the MUO has issued a formal apology. With the competition just weeks away, the pageant community remains divided.
Some continue to condemn both Machado’s racist remarks and Itsaragrisil’s earlier actions, while others urge for deeper reflection on professionalism, respect and empathy within the global stage of beauty competitions.
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