Reigning Miss Universe Fatima Bosch is standing her ground following an Instagram post by Miss Grand International (MGI) president Nawat Itsaragrisil on August 22, saying she does not regret standing up for herself despite the repercussions.
Nawat said on Saturday that Bosch is “currently subject to an expedited process for the issuance of an arrest warrant” in connection with a case involving alleged defamation, false allegations and the dissemination of false information, which he said is supported by clear evidence.
The following day, Bosch took to Instagram to say that she does not regret speaking out, despite the consequences that followed.
“Today, it’s my turn to tell this story; my wish is that no woman will have to live through it tomorrow,” Bosch wrote in a post originally published in Spanish and translated into English using Google Translate.
“It is deeply troubling that, in the 21st century, a woman can face attempts at intimidation simply for raising her voice, setting boundaries, and demanding to be treated with dignity and respect,” she added.
“I do not regret standing up for myself that day. Although it continues to have repercussions months later, if there is one thing I want other women to learn from my story, it is this: defending your dignity should never become a reason to be afraid,” Bosch wrote.
How it started
The dispute stems from a confrontation between Nawat and Bosch during the pre-pageant activities of Miss Universe 2025.
On November 4, 2025, Nawat confronted Bosch over her alleged failure to participate in a sponsored promotional shoot.
According to Bosch’s account, Nawat called her “dumbhead”, prompting her to leave the event along with other candidates.
Nawat, however, disputed the claim, saying he used the word “damage” rather than “dumbhead”.
He maintained that despite clarifying what he said, Bosch continued to make false public statements about him, including allegations that he had insulted or humiliated her.
Nawat subsequently filed a defamation complaint against the beauty queen, citing what he described as repeated false allegations made in interviews and other media appearances.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: ’10 Things I Hate About You’ heading to Broadway
Miss Universe Organisation shows support for Fatima
The Miss Universe Organisation has publicly expressed its support for reigning Miss Universe, saying the pageant is more than “a stage, a crown, or a competition”.
In a statement posted on Instagram, the organisation described Miss Universe as a platform that provides women “an opportunity to be seen, to be heard, and to use their voices with purpose”.
The organisation said women should never feel compelled to remain silent when faced with “violence, intimidation, humiliation, disrespect, and mistreatment” simply to protect an “opportunity, a position, a title, or a dream”.
“When Fatima Bosch raised her defense of her dignity following the treatment she experienced from Mr. Nawat Itsaragrisil, it reminded women everywhere of something fundamental: respect is not something we earn through silence. It is a right,” the statement read.
“And when other women stood beside her, they reminded us of something equally powerful: we must take care of one another.”
The organisation also said titleholders, national directors, former Miss Universe winners, delegates and other women who have been part of the organisation have voiced their solidarity with Bosch.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the organisation’s support for Bosch, saying: “We see you. We hear you. We stand with you, Fatima.”
READ NEXT: K-pop star Mark Lee apologises for wearing Confederate flag T-shirt
Maybelene Marcelino 
Geoffrey H. Latayan 
Carmela Calling