The controversy between Fátima Bosch, Mexican representative in Miss Universe 2025, and the president of the pageant in Thailand, Nawat Itsaragrisil, continues to generate international repercussions. After the public altercation in which the Thai businessman insulted and shouted Bosch during an official ceremony in Bangkok, several personalities from the world of beauty have spoken out in defense of the Mexican.
Among the most prominent voices is that of Alicia Machado, Miss Universe 1996, who expressed her total solidarity with Bosch and condemned Itsaragrisil’s behavior, calling him a “misogynist” and a “lout”. The former Venezuelan queen, known for her strong character and for having lived up close situations of abuse and discrimination during her reign, shared a powerful message on her Instagram account.
In a video posted on her social networks, Alicia Machado spoke out vehemently about the treatment received by Fatima Bosch and asked the directors of Miss Universe to take immediate action against the Thai president.
“I’m with Miss Mexico, I hope this girl wins. You have all my love. I hope Mr. Rocha and Mr. Ronald Day, the directors of this pageant, remove from the organization those who do not respect the contestants. Mexicans respect each other, Venezuelans respect each other, Latinos respect each other, people respect each other, women respect each other”, expressed firmly the 49 year old Venezuelan.
Machado, who became an emblematic figure of the pageant after her triumph in 1996, regretted that, despite the years, beauty pageants continue to repeat practices of humiliation and control towards the participants. According to her, Bosch’s incident is evidence that the pageant has not evolved to the rhythm of current times, in which women demand respect and equity.
“In 1997, the same problem still exists today, because it is a cultural problem. So I don’t understand why these international competitions continue to be endorsed for bad practices,” he added.
Alicia Machado: Criticism of the contest venue
During her broadcast, Alicia Machado also questioned the decision to hold the next Miss Universe in Thailand, pointing out that the Asian country -in her opinion- does not represent the values of female equality and freedom that the contest should promote.
“I don’t understand why they are going over there to do the international contest, an American contest for women who are in another era and another time. More than all those who come from these Muslim countries, from these countries where women are worthless and where we are light years away from even having 10% of equality and rights that we Americans have,” she declared with indignation.
The actress and businesswoman recalled that, for almost three decades, she has been denouncing sexist behavior within the pageant industry, and pointed out that the current situation confirms that little has changed since then.
Visibly affected, Alicia Machado did not hide her anger and frustration at the treatment received by Fatima Bosch. In the video, the Venezuelan explodes against Nawat Itsaragrisil, using harsh words to describe her attitude.
“This egghead who does he think he is? This misogynist lout…”, she said in tears, showing the rage and impotence that the episode provoked in her.
Machado reiterated that the Miss Universe organization must make a profound revision of its values and objectives, and that the pageant must become a true space for female representation, not a platform for abuse or control.
In the final part of her message, Alicia Machado made an urgent call to reform the pageant, pointing out that the Miss Universe title must recover its diplomatic and humanitarian sense.
“The only goal left for the Miss Universe organization, the only thing Miss Universe is going to be good for, is to fight for gender rights and equality in the world. That is the only thing Miss Universe is good for. It has to go back to having an important diplomatic work, because if not… why do they continue with the contest?”, she concluded with an energetic tone.
The former Venezuelan queen ended her broadcast calling for Miss Universe to truly adapt to the modern era, where women demand respect, voice and autonomy. Her message was widely shared by followers, media and former contestants, consolidating their support for Fatima Bosch as part of a broader struggle for dignity and female empowerment in international pageants.
Here you can see the video of Alicia Machado in a rage.
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