Missed congeniality: Beauty pageant organiser accused of calling contestant a 'dumbhead'

The organiser of Miss Universe has told Sky News he cannot stand down from his position - despite allegations he was aggressive towards a contestant.

In a video that's now gone viral, Nawat Itsaragrisil appeared to reprimand Miss Mexico after she had failed to post promotional content about Thailand - this year's host country - online.

Reporters at the event claimed he had called Fatima Bosch a "dumbhead" - something he has firmly denied.

After the verbal altercation, she replied: "You are not respecting me as a woman."

Nawat then called for security and Bosch walked out of the room. She was joined by other contestants in a show of solidarity, including the reigning Miss Universe.

The pageant's president, Mexican businessman Raul Rocha, has described his behaviour as "public aggression" and "serious abuse".

At a news conference, Nawat insisted he had used the word "damage" rather than "dumbhead" - and urged reporters to check footage of the incident online.

However, he added: "This issue has dragged me down to this point. I understand and I apologise."

When pressed further by journalists, Nawat appeared to start sobbing and said: "I am a human who can feel hurt."

He has also apologised to contestants, adding: "If anyone (was) affected and not comfortable, it happened, I am so sorry. It's passed. Okay? Are you happy?"

The controversy has overshadowed the Miss Universe contest, with several events to go until the grand final on 21 November.

(c) Sky News 2025: Missed congeniality: Beauty pageant organiser accused of calling contestant a 'dumbhead'