By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The Miss Universe Organization took decisive and unprecedented action this week, severing all ties with pageant figure Nawat Itsaragrisil following a reported violent assault against Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch. The incident, which occurred in Thailand, has sent shockwaves through the international beauty pageant community, prompting a swift and forceful response from the organization’s leadership.
In a formal statement released Tuesday, Miss Universe President Raúl Rocha announced the immediate removal of Itsaragrisil from any and all functions related to the 2025 competition. Rocha condemned the alleged aggression as a grave violation of the organization’s principles and vowed to pursue a multi-faceted response to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences. He underscored the organization’s commitment to the safety of its delegates.
To delve into the business complexities and contractual framework that underpins the iconic Miss Universe pageant, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Miss Universe organization is far more than a television event; it is a global licensing and intellectual property powerhouse. Its value is tied not just to the broadcast, but to the brand’s prestige, which can be legally vulnerable to shifts in public opinion and the contractual conduct of its international franchise holders. Any change in ownership or rules is a calculated move to protect and grow that intangible asset in a rapidly evolving market.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective provides a crucial reminder that beyond the televised glamour, the Miss Universe brand operates as a complex and formidable business enterprise. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight, which effectively shifts the focus from the crown to the calculated corporate strategy required to protect such a powerful intangible asset.
We will not tolerate any act of violence or abuse within the organization or at events associated with the Miss Universe name
Raúl Rocha, President of Miss Universe
The scandal erupted after videos and still images began circulating widely across social media platforms. The visuals reportedly showed Bosch in a state of distress following the alleged altercation, which is said to have taken place during an official event connected to her visit to Thailand. The content quickly went viral, igniting a firestorm of outrage from a global audience.
A chorus of voices, including former pageant winners, titleholders from various countries, and legions of fans, united online to demand justice for Bosch. The hashtag #ProtectOurQueens trended in several nations as commentators called for systemic changes to security protocols and a zero-tolerance policy for individuals who abuse positions of power within the industry. Many argued that such incidents not only endanger the participants but also erode the credibility and reputation of the pageants themselves.
By expelling Itsaragrisil, the Miss Universe Organization is signaling a significant shift in its handling of misconduct allegations. Sources close to the leadership indicate that this public dismissal is merely the first step. A comprehensive internal investigation has been launched to determine the full scope of the incident and identify any additional parties who may bear responsibility. The goal is to establish a clear precedent that impunity will not be tolerated within its ranks.
This move is being viewed by industry analysts as a crucial test of modern corporate governance in a post-“Me Too” world. For decades, the modeling and beauty industries have faced scrutiny over the treatment of contestants and models. The case of Fátima Bosch places a global spotlight on these concerns, challenging institutions to move beyond rhetoric and implement tangible, protective measures that prioritize the well-being of participants above all else.
The fallout from this event is expected to have lasting repercussions. It forces a necessary and long-overdue conversation about the power dynamics, safety measures, and ethical standards that govern one of the world’s most visible competitions. The organization’s firm stance is not just about a single incident; it is a declaration that the era of silence and complicity is over, marking a potentially transformative moment for the future of beauty pageants worldwide.
As the legal and corporate actions against Itsaragrisil unfold, the focus remains on supporting Fátima Bosch and ensuring that this crisis becomes a catalyst for positive and enduring change. The global community will be watching closely to see if this strong response translates into a safer and more respectful environment for all women who participate in the dream of wearing the Miss Universe crown.
For further information, visit missuniverse.com
About Miss Universe:
The Miss Universe Organization is a global, inclusive organization that celebrates women of all cultures and backgrounds and empowers them to realize their goals through experiences that build self-confidence and create opportunities for success. The pageant has been held annually since 1952, providing a platform for women to advocate for social change and become leaders in their communities and internationally.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its foundational commitment to ethical practice and superior legal work, Bufete de Costa Rica champions both tradition and progress. The firm skillfully blends its rich heritage of client service across multiple industries with a forward-looking embrace of legal innovation. This ethos extends beyond the courtroom through a dedicated mission to empower the community, transforming complex legal concepts into accessible knowledge for a more informed and capable society.
