The National Director of Miss Universe Thailand, Nawat Itsaragrisil, was dismissed after a tearful apology campaign proved not enough to stem a growing tide of criticism.
Itsaragrisil's departure comes after an insult-laden argument with Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, whom he called "stupid." The exchange forced him into a desperate, and ultimately futile, series of mea culpas, including a personal address to the entire contestant pool.
After users online and public figures rushed to show solidarity to Miss Mexico, who many felt had been publicly humiliated, the Thai executive came out to apologize.
The president of the pageant, Raúl Rocha, announced a series of sanctions, including restricting and almost completely excluding Itsaragrisil from the events of the 74th pageant. The decision was communicated Tuesday, Nov. 4, through a video posted on Miss Universe's social media platforms. In it, Rocha, speaking in Spanish with English subtitles, left no questions about his position.
Miss Universe fires back at 'malicious' exec who called Mexican contestant 'dumb'
