Miss Universe titleholder Fátima Bosch has responded to businessman Nawat Itsaragrisil after he claimed Thai authorities had launched an expedited process to issue an arrest order against her over alleged defamation, false accusations and the spreading of false information.
Both the Miss Universe Organization and Bosch herself issued statements reaffirming their position in the dispute the two have been engaged in for several months.
Bosch says she has no regrets
Bosch said she did not regret standing up for herself. She said it was now her turn to tell this story, and that her wish was for no woman to have to live through it tomorrow.
She said it was deeply troubling that, in the 21st century, a woman could face attempts at intimidation simply for having raised her voice, set boundaries and demanded to be treated with dignity and respect.
Bosch acknowledged that the situation has continued to have repercussions months after it happened, but said she did not regret defending her position that day. She said if there was one thing she wanted other women to take from her story, it was that defending your dignity should never become a reason for fear.
The Miss Universe titleholder said no threat should stop women's fight to express themselves freely. She closed her message by pointing back to what happened at the time of the dispute, saying the whole world saw what happened that day, that it was all recorded, and that there was nothing more to say.
Organization says protest is a right
In a message shared through its official channels, the Miss Universe Organization voiced its support for Bosch and defended the pageant's role as a global community of women.
The organization said Miss Universe has always been more than a stage, a crown or a competition, describing it as, at its core, a global community of women from different countries, cultures and generations who have found in the platform an opportunity to be seen, heard and to raise their voices with purpose.
The organization said any form of violence, intimidation or mistreatment of women was unacceptable, adding that no woman should feel forced to stay silent to protect an opportunity, a position, a title or a dream.
The statement also referred directly to the dispute between Bosch and Itsaragrisil, saying the Mexican woman's reaction sent a broader message worldwide. It said that when Fátima Bosch raised her voice in defense of her dignity after the treatment she received from Nawat Itsaragrisil, she reminded women everywhere of something fundamental: that protest is a right.
The organization also highlighted support Bosch has received from spokespeople, national directors, former Miss Universe titleholders, delegates and other women linked to the organization, who it said had spoken out in solidarity with her. It said the matter was not about nationality, competition or titles, but about dignity.
The organization closed its statement by addressing Bosch directly, saying it saw her, heard her and supported her, and that together they were raising their voices against mistreatment, intimidation and abuse, and in unwavering defense of the dignity, safety and respect of all women.
Background
Fátima Bosch is the reigning Miss Universe titleholder from Mexico. She has been at the center of a monthslong dispute with Thai businessman Nawat Itsaragrisil, a pageant figure in Thailand, after a confrontation between the two during Miss Universe activities drew widespread attention.
