A dispute that began behind closed doors during the Miss Universe 2025 competition has escalated into a legal battle in Thailand, where Miss Grand International (MGI) president Nawat Itsaragrisil has lodged a criminal complaint against newly crowned Miss Universe Fatima Bosch.
The move was confirmed after MGI released a four-page police incident report on December 3, detailing Nawat’s personal visit to the Wat Phraya Krai Police Station in Bangkok last November 12. The document states that he accused Bosch of issuing public statements that he says damaged his reputation both in the country and overseas.
MGI announced the filing through an official statement, saying, “Mr. Nawat Itsaragrisil has formally filed a criminal complaint against Ms. Fatima Bosch Fernandez in Thailand on 12 November 2025. If any further defamatory actions are discovered, additional legal action will be taken to the fullest extent of the law.”
The tensions date back to day two of the Miss Universe 2025 competition, when a confrontation between Nawat and Bosch unfolded in front of other candidates after she declined to take part in a sponsored shoot. Bosch reportedly left the room, and then–reigning titleholder Victoria Theilvig also exited, followed by additional contestants.
As public attention grew, MGI issued another statement clarifying that Nawat did not use the word “dumbhead” during the exchange before the sashing ceremony. The organization said audio recordings revealed he used the word “damage” while delivering a warning.
MGI stated, “However, when Ms. Fatima Bosch Fernandez walked out of the room, she immediately made a false accusation in front of the media by publicly claiming otherwise. Even after she later became aware of the facts, she did not apologize to Mr. Nawat Itsaragrisil. Instead, she continued to falsely accuse him in multiple interviews, seemingly for personal gain and to justify herself throughout the competition-after which she was ultimately crowned Miss Universe, as everyone is aware.”
The organization further asserted that Bosch continued “misrepresenting the incident” even after becoming Miss Universe and cautioned media outlets against reporting unverified claims, warning that “failure to do so may result in legal action against such media entities as co-conspirators in defamation.”
The legal dispute comes on the heels of Bosch’s public remarks insisting she intends to complete her year-long reign. Her comments followed allegations circulating online that her victory had been “predetermined,” a claim linked to rumors about her father’s supposed business ties with Miss Universe Organization president Raul Rocha.
Nawat, who simultaneously serves as MUO’s VP for Asiana and holds the Miss Universe local franchise for a five-year term, retains his position as president of MGI—a rival pageant brand that has often been compared to Miss Universe.
The controversy adds yet another layer to the turbulent aftermath of the Miss Universe 2025 coronation, a period marked by multiple resignations among judges, national directors, and contestants.
