A Chronology of Miss Universe 2025 Scandals and Controversies
2025 stripped pageantry of its illusion. What was once marketed as a platform for women’s empowerment became, instead, a case study in mismanagement, controversy, and broken credibility - particularly within the Miss Universe Organization (MUO). From financial scandals to leadership turmoil, the year revealed how deeply systemic issues run beneath the crown. These controversies did more than dominate headlines; they forced contestants, supporters, and critics alike to ask hard questions about power, integrity, and who truly benefits from the pageant world. Here is an unfiltered look at how Miss Universe - still the world's most prestigious pageant - unraveled in 2025 - and why the pageant can no longer rely on prestige alone to justify its future.
Featuring the major players:
Anne Jakrajutatip, CEO and co-owner of MUO, owner of JKN Global Group
Raul Rocha Cantu, President and co-owner of MUO, owner of Legacy Holdings
Nawat Itsaragrisil, Vice President for the Asiana Division (or Eastern Regional Office) of MUO, President and CEO of Miss Grand International
JANUARY
2 - MUO released a statement announcing that Magali Benejam, Miss Universe Argentina 2024, has been stripped of her title after making public comments that go against MUO’s philosophy of diversity, inclusion and respect. Magali alleged that Miss Universe Denmark Victoria Kjaer Theilvig's win had been rigged, that Victoria had slept with Raul Rocha Cantu, and that the representatives from the Dominican Republic, Canada and Denmark didn’t belong in the top 12 - without providing any proof of her allegations.
https://www.missuniverse.com/press-releases/miss-universe-press-release-2025-01-03/
FEBRUARY
24 - Miss Universe 2023 judge Denise White accuses Anne Jakrajutatip of trying to rig pageant results. In a post on the Instagram page of Road to Miss USA on Feb. 22, White recalled the time when Shugart stepped down in 2023 because Jakrajutatip “had been pressuring Paula saying, ‘no matter what, Thailand must make top 5.'”
“Paula [Shugart] kept telling Anne that MUO can have a say in who makes it out of prelims but has no say in what the judges do at the finals. Anne kept insisting she could do something, part of the reason Paula left (although there are other reasons which might come out someday) she kept telling Anne that she refused to be a part of any of those scenarios where something would not be fair or ethical,” shared White, 1994 Miss Oregon USA and now a public relations practitioner handling high-profile athletes and celebrities.
She also shared that Jakrajutatip screamed in anger at then-MUO CEO Amy Emmerich before the post-coronation press conference because Miss Thailand Anntonia Porsild did not win.
https://entertainment.inquirer.net/598867/miss-universe-judge-accuses-anne-jakrajutatip-of-trying-to-rig-pageant-results#
APRIL
22 - SEC (Security Exchange Commission) orders JKN and “Anne Jakapong” to pay 4.1 million baht in fines and bans them from being executives for 56 months for falsely reporting MUO sales information.
https://en.moneyandbanking.co.th/2025/168463/
22 - Suchata “Opal” Chuangsri was stripped of her Miss Universe 2024 third runner-up title by MUO in April 2025 for breaching contract by competing in Miss World 2025 before her MUO reign concluded. MUO cited her participation in another major international pageant as a violation of exclusivity clauses, leading to the withdrawal of her title, though she went on to be crowned Miss World Thailand and later Miss World 2025.
https://entertainment.inquirer.net/607081/thai-queen-stripped-of-miss-universe-placement-after-coronation-as-miss-world-rep
23 - JKN Global appointed Nawat Itsaragrisil as the Executive Director of MUO.
https://entertainment.inquirer.net/607110/nawat-itsaragrisil-now-executive-director-of-the-miss-universe-organization
23 - MUO published a press release denying Nawat’s appointment as MUO executive director
JUNE
2 - The Miss Universe Germany organization, whose president is Kim Kelly Braun (Miss Grand Germany 2022) released a statement dethroning MU Germany 2023 Helena Marlen Bleicher allegedly for disrespecting and defaming the organization.
4 - MUO released a statement condemning the illegal dethronement of Helena Marlen Bleicher, MU Germany 2023, stating after exhaustive investigation that Helena has never made any defamatory remarks against MUO. As a result, Helena’s title was reinstated and the German ND Kim Kelly Braun has been fired. The statement does not mention specific names but it clearly refers to Bleicher and Braun. https://www.missuniverse.com/press-releases/miss-universe-press-release-8/
6 - Anne Jakrajutatip resigned from JKN Global (which co-owns Miss Universe). She is also expected to leave MUO. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2025/06/06/anne-jakrajutatip-resigns-from-jkn-and-expected-to-leave-miss-universe/amp/
20 - Anne Jakrajutatip steps down as CEO of MUO. "The organization extends its heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Jakrajutatip for her visionary leadership and dedication, which greatly enhanced MUO’s global presence and commitment to inclusion and diversity. Her efforts have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire the organization’s mission as she now focuses on her family."
SEPTEMBER
4 - Thom Brodeur posted on his social media announcing that he is the new chair, CEO and President of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA
5 - Laylah Rose, the current franchise owner of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA, posted on Miss USA Instagram page that she is still the franchise owner.
15 - MUO released a statement confirming that Thom Brodeur is the new CEO and owner of Miss USA/Miss Teen USA license
23 - MUO announced that Puerto Rico will host the 75th edition
OCTOBER
10 - Miss Universe sues ex-Miss USA CEO Laylah Rose, saying she created a 'toxic work environment' and failed to pay the 2024 winner's $100,000 salary
29 - MUO announced that Anne Jakrajutatip has been replaced by Mario Bucaro as the new CEO. According to the creditors, Bucaro’s appointment was illegal because it didn’t go through Grant Thornton’s supervision. Thornton is the newly contacted auditing firm.
30 - Following the announcement by the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) regarding the appointment of a new executive on October 29, 2025, the representative of the bondholder group, which is the company’s largest creditor, wishes to clarify the following:
Any change in management or appointment of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MUO — a subsidiary in which JKN Global Group Public Company Limited holds more than 58% of shares — must first be reviewed and approved by the plan administrator.
The meeting of creditors has resolved to appoint Grant Thornton (GT) to serve in this capacity, and the process is now in its final stage, awaiting an official appointment order from the Central Bankruptcy Court.
Therefore, any management change within MUO at this time may not yet fall within the proper procedures required under the rehabilitation process and may cause misunderstanding that such appointments are already legally valid.
The creditor group reaffirms that all management actions related to JKN’s subsidiaries must be carried out under the supervision of Grant Thornton (GT), which operates under the appointment and oversight of the Central Bankruptcy Court, to ensure that all steps are conducted lawfully, transparently, and with the best interests of all stakeholders in mind.
It seems that Raul Rocha Cantú, the president of MUO who owns at least 42% of the shares, had appointed his close friend Búcaro without the supervision of Grant Thornton. By doing so, Cantú acted in bad faith and unlawfully appointed Búcaro to his new position.
Source: JKN Bond Holder Facebook Page
NOVEMBER
1 - Lupita Jones, Mexico’s first Miss Universe (1991), was the national director of Miss Universe Mexico from 1994 until 2023 when she was dismissed by the Miss Universe Organization because she opposed MUO’s decision to allow transwomen to compete. Under Lupita’s directorship, Mexico has won two Miss Universes (2010, 2023) and two Miss Internationals (2007, 2009) and several other international crowns.
During a recent interview, Lupita revealed the reason for her dismissal and that the inclusion of transwomen in Miss Universe Mexico by George Figueroa, the new director, was nothing more than a publicity stunt. Lupita said that no transwomen even applied during the first two years of Figueroa’s directorship, which suggests that Figueroa never really intended to include them. Thus, Lupita accuses Figueroa (and indirectly MUO) of hypocrisy for promoting false inclusion.
2 - Germany’s Diana Fast, 33, withdraws from Miss Universe 2025 citing she would rather stay home to take care of her young son.
2 - MUO released a statement addressing and clarifying recent online posts promoting an event described as a "Special Dinner and Talk Show" - referring to the event organized by Nawat Itsaragrisil, which was not authorized by MUO.
2 - Nawat Itsaragrisil involved Thai police to seize merchandise and promotional materials linked to a Philippine-based online gaming platform. Miss Universe Thailand said the parent Miss Universe organization had promoted Playtime as a sponsor tied to online gambling, which is illegal in Thailand.
Another controversy arose when Miss Universe Organization president Raul Rocha sent a makeup team to Bangkok without informing Nawat. This created conflict because the Thai organizers had already selected an official makeup sponsor to manage all makeup needs during the competition.
https://entertainment.inquirer.net/636586/thai-police-brought-in-to-seize-filipino-casino-promo-merch-at-miss-universe
3 - MUO stated hat the “Special Dinner and Talk Show” organized by Miss Universe Thailand was not officially approved and violated its intellectual property rights. In response, the Miss Universe Thailand Organization said the event and its online voting were part of Thailand’s official host-country marketing package, were carried out openly under their authorized rights, and had been reviewed with legal advisors in case of any legal challenges.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/964705/miss-universe-thailand-defends-special-dinner-talk-show-campaign-our-actions-are-fully-within-the-rig/story/
3 - During the sash ceremony, Itsaragrisil publicly reprimanded Mexico’s Fátima Bosch for allegedly failing to participate in promotional activities, making remarks that implied she was “dumb.” When Bosch attempted to respond, she was escorted out by security. Several contestants left the venue in solidarity, including the reigning titleholder, Victoria Kjær Theilvig, who later said Itsaragrisil’s remarks were “beyond disrespectful.” Bosch told the media afterwards that Nawat had called her "dumb."
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/06/miss-universe-contestants-walkout-organiser-row-miss-mexico/
https://www.amarintv.com/news/entertain/529405
3 - Raul Rocha Cantú released a statement on November 3 addressed “To all Delegates of the 74th Miss Universe Competition.” The statement expresses a warm welcome to the delegates and reassures that the delegates’ “dignity, integrity, and well-being are our highest priority.”
It also emphasizes the transparency and fairness of the organization and that the delegates will be judged in four categories: personal interview, national costume presentation, evening gown presentation, and swimsuit presentation. “No delegate will receive any form of preference or advantage outside of these four official categories. The integrity of this process is absolute and will be upheld with the utmost professionalism.”4 - Former Miss Universe (1996) Alicia Machado from Venezuela took to social media to express her anger towards Nawat Itsaragrisil, for insulting Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch during the press conference on November 4, 2025 at the Chatrium Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. She was also widely criticized for making racist remarks and gestures targeting Asian people and Thailand.
https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/entertainment/alicia-machado-miss-universe-1996-racist-remarks-nawat-itsaragrisil-473581
4 - Nawat Itsaragrisil apologized during a livestream on TikTok where he addressed the walk-out incident and said, “If anyone feeling not good, if anyone not comfortable, if anyone affect, I do apologize for everyone. But I did talk… apologize to the list of the girls in the room, around 75 girls in the room.”
https://remezcla.com/culture/miss-universe-thailand-director-apologizes-after-insulting-miss-mexico/
4 - Raul Rocha Cantu gave a press conference condemning Nawat Itsaragrisil and by expressing solidarity with the contestants. Raul stated his indignation with Nawat's actions toward Fatima, describing it as "public aggression" and that Nawat "humiliated, insulted, and disrespected," on top of "serious abuse" for calling on security to "intimidate, silence, and exclude her."
"Nawat, you need to stop! Every woman in the world should be respected," Rocha exclaimed, noting other candidates were affected by the incident. "I will not allow any of them to be attacked or humiliated." Raul confirmed he would restrict Nawat's participation in the upcoming Miss Universe 2025 events — limitations that could lead to his entire access revoked.
Rocha also announced that a team of Miss Universe executives, including Mario Búcaro and senior adviser Ronald Day, will travel immediately to Bangkok to oversee logistics and regain control of the host operations that had been entrusted to Nawat's company, MGI. "The only ones who should shine are our delegates," Rocha emphasized. "No one else has the right to steal their spotlight."
https://remezcla.com/culture/raul-rocha-president-miss-universe-statement-miss-thailand-director-miss-mexico-controversy/
5 - Amid mounting controversy surrounding the Miss Universe pageant, Nawat Itsaragrisil broke down in tears during a press interview with Bravo BKK. In an emotional apology, he expressed regret over his words and conduct, asking forgiveness from the contestants and their respective countries. Reactions were mixed, with some viewing the apology as a step toward accountability, while others felt it came too late to repair the damage.
He later issued another apology during the welcoming ceremony the following evening, addressing the audience before bowing to the contestants in a public gesture of remorse.
"I did not intend to harm anyone because I respect all of you," Nawat said. "I am a human. Sometimes, I cannot control... If anyone isn't comfortable with what has happened, I am so sorry."
He also faced pageant media to clarify he did not call Fatima "dumb," rather he used the word "damaged."
"I didn't say 'dumb head' even one second... I said 'damaged,'" Nawat explained, even calling for people to review the video of the incident.
https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/pageants-beauty-queens/2025/11/6/-i-did-not-intend-to-harm-anyone-nawat-itsaragrisil-apologizes-for-miss-universe-controversy-1318
5 - Martha Cristiana, a Mexican actress and model, was appointed as the National Director of Miss Universe Mexico in May 2024 but resigned a month later after realizing that the Miss Universe Mexico Organization has been practicing false inclusion by not allowing transwomen to compete.
Martha was interviewed by the entertainment TV show Venga La Alegría to whom she revealed that the main cause of her resignation is George (Jorge) Figueroa, the current director. Martha’s story is supported by Cynthia de la Vega, who was Martha’s predecessor who had resigned for undisclosed reason.
George Figueroa was one of the four Mexicans who was told by the Thai police at the Chatrium Hotel to leave Thailand after the hotel security guards noticed him and three other Mexicans (one of whom is Raul Rocha Cantu’s cousin) sneaking in several Miss Universe 2025 contestants to shoot promotional clips of the Philippines-based online casino (gambling is illegal in Thailand).
https://heraldodemexico.com.mx/espectaculos/2025/11/7/que-paso-entre-martha-cristiana-jorge-figueroa-quien-culpa-de-la-agresion-contra-fatima-bosch-743442.html
6 - Miss Universe Thailand cancels 'special dinner, talk show' with Nawat Itsaragrisil
https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/fashion-and-beauty/2025/11/06/2485287/miss-universe-thailand-cancels-special-dinner-talk-show-nawat-itsaragrisil
6 - A TikTok video of Miss Chile Inna Moll went viral. She did one of those before and after video where in the before she was imitating sniffing the make up off her arm, then the after, she was all glam! She said the Asian MUAs told her to do so.
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/celebrity/articles/miss-chile-apologises-pretending-snort-161158244.html
6 - Raul Rocha Cantú, the president of Miss Universe Organization, said that the MUO’s legal team is preparing for action against Nawat Itsaragrisil and his company (MGI) for “malicious acts” that harmed the organization and delegates.
The alleged grounds include public aggression, humiliation, insulting behavior, intimidation of a woman (Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch) during an official event, and possibly breach of contract or franchise/license terms regarding conduct.
https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2025/11/07/que-delitos-le-imputaran-raul-rocha-confirma-demanda-contra-nawat-itsaragrisil-por-agresion-a-fatima-bosch/
18 - Miss Universe Persia 2025 Sahar Biniaz posted a video explaining her reason why she is withdrawing from the Miss Universe pageant whom she accuses of dumping women empowerment in favor of making more money.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DRNIODcjIuN/
18 - Omar Harfouch, Lebanese-French composer and entrepreneur, quit the Miss Universe judging panel just three days ahead of the pageant. He claimed that the Miss Universe Organization created an "impromptu jury" composed of people with "potential conflicts of interest." He also claimed that there had been a “secret vote” by people not on the official jury to preselect the top 30 contestants out of 136.
The MUO has denied the allegations. Another judges Claude Makélélé also resigned, citing “unforeseen personal reasons.”
https://people.com/miss-universe-judge-resigns-amid-claims-top-30-was-pre-selected-11851747
18 - MUO released a statement reiterating "that all judging procedures for the 74th Miss Universe competition remain official, transparent, and fully governed by MUO protocols. The Beyond the Crown Program operates independently and is not part of the competition’s evaluation process. We encourage all audiences to refer exclusively to verified MUO communications and to continue supporting the delegates who embody the values of Miss Universe."
https://www.instagram.com/p/DRNDIUxk6yQ/?img_index=1
18 - Omar Harfouch stated that he intends to sue MUO citing emotional trauma and reputational damage. “I was misled and publicly used to give credibility to an election process that was already compromised,” he said on Instagram, adding that a member of the unofficial group had a romantic relationship with one of the contestants.
The Miss Universe Organization denied Harfouch’s accusations, saying on Instagram that there was no impromptu jury and that all competition evaluations continued to follow the organization’s “established, transparent, and supervised” protocols. It said the group of people Harfouch was referring to was the official selection committee for a separate social impact initiative.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DROu7K7kth4/
19 - Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 Gabrielle Henry suffered a serious fall during the preliminary competition held at the Impact Challenger Arena in Bangkok. She was immediately rushed to a local hospital and was unable to compete in the finals on November 21.
https://www.eonline.com/news/1425946/miss-jamaica-gabrielle-henrys-injuries-after-pageant-fall
21 - Fatima Bosch of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025 in a contest that had been involved in several controversies, the latest is the possibility that the contest had been rigged in favor of Mexico. Massive protests from fans who disagree with the results.
https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20251121-mexico-s-fatima-bosch-wins-chaotic-miss-universe-pageant-marred-by-insults-falls-and-protests
23 - MU Estonia Brigitta Schaback resigned from her position because her values and work ethics do not align with those of the national director Natalie Korneitsik.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DRZWd1HCCof/?img_index=1
26 - Miss Universe Co-Owner Raúl Rocha Cantú charged in Mexico with drug, fuel and weapons trafficking. The accusations arrive at a tense moment for the Miss Universe Organization related to the crowning of Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch
https://people.com/miss-universe-owner-raul-rocha-admits-to-illegal-fuel-smuggling-report-11871388
27 - Arrest warrants issued for Miss Universe co-owners in latest twist in pageant saga. Raúl Rocha Cantú is under investigation for drug, gun and fuel trafficking while Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip is accused of fraud.
https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/arrest-warrant-miss-universe-co-owner/
https://www.eonline.com/news/1425564/miss-universe-co-owner-arrest-warrant-issued
27 - The Government of Guatemala has stripped Raúl Rocha Cantúh of his honorary consul of Guatemala
https://www.france24.com/es/minuto-a-minuto/20251128-guatemala-retira-el-cargo-diplom%C3%A1tico-a-un-mexicano-copropietario-de-miss-universo
DECEMBER
5 - Mexico freezes Miss Universe co-owner Raul Rocha Cantú’s bank accounts during organized crime investigation
https://www.nbcnews.com/world/mexico/mexico-freezes-miss-universe-co-owners-bank-accounts-organized-crime-i-rcna247709
8 - MUO and the family of Miss Universe Jamaica Gabrielle Henry released a joint statement giving an update about her condition. The statement said that her fall resulted "in an intracranial hemorrhage with loss of consciousness, a fr4acture, facial lacerations and other significant injuries." It also stated that MUO "has covered all hospital, medical, and rehabilitation expenses in Thailand, as well as the accommodation and living costs for Dr. Henry’s mother and sister, who have remained by her side throughout this difficult period. In addition, the Miss Universe Organization is funding the medically escorted repatriation flight arranged by the hospital and has committed to covering all future medical expenses arising from this incident."
https://www.missuniverse.com/press-releases/miss-universe-press-release-20/
10 - Emili Denneng has been crowned Miss Universe Estonia 2025 replacing Brigitta Schaback who had resigned. Emili was Brigitta’s first runner-up.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DSF0XnmAL_b/?img_index=1
11 - Miss Finland 2024, Sarah Dzafce, has been officially stripped of her crown after a resurfaced photo showed her making a racist gesture mocking Asian features. The image, circulated on Jodel, captured Dzafce pulling her eyes into a slanted shape with a caption translating to “eating with a Chinese person.”
Dzafce initially defended the photo, claiming she was rubbing her temples due to a severe headache. However, the Miss Finland Organisation issued a firm statement declaring zero tolerance for racism or discriminatory behavior. On Thursday, the organization released a public apology and confirmed that Dzafce’s title has been revoked. First runner-up Tara Lehtonen has assumed the Miss Finland title.
https://people.com/miss-finland-stripped-of-her-title-after-racist-social-media-post-11868211
11 - In the last few weeks - and most recently two days ago - Alicia Machado, Miss Universe 1996 from Venezuela, a failed actress and entertainer, has been trying to stay relevant by bashing former beauty queens including two former Venezuelan Miss Universes: Dayana Mendoza (2008) and Gabriela Isler (2013) whom she accused of having bought their crowns and of being “call girls.” She also attacked the born-again Christian beliefs of Dayana and Estefanía Fernandez (2009) by calling them “religious fanatics.”
12 - The Puerto Rican government has reportedly suspended the release of public funds for the 75th edition of Miss Universe, scheduled to be held on the island next year. Willianette Robles Cancel, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, confirmed to the local newspaper El Vocero that no government funds will be disbursed to the Miss Universe Organization until a formal meeting is held with its executives.
https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/business-life/2025/12/12/2493745/puerto-rico-govt-halts-funds-disbursement-miss-universe-2026-report
12 - MUO announced that Mr. Mario Búcaro has concluded his tenure as Chief Executive Officer, a role he assumed in November of this year, marking the close of a period of institutional service during which he carried out key operational leadership responsibilities in the production of the 74th Miss Universe competition, held in Bangkok, Thailand.
https://www.missuniverse.com/press-releases/miss-universe-press-release-21/
12 - Miss Universe Venezuela 2024 Stephany Abasali spoke on El Gordo y la Flaca about the problems she faced with the Miss Venezuela organization. She said she was treated with disrespect and received little to no support. According to Abasali, this kind of treatment has also happened to past queens and staff under the organization led by Nina Sicilia, Miss International 1984. She added that even after arriving in Thailand for Miss Universe, she was still blocked by the organization’s leadership. The tension was clear when she gave up her crown - she was not allowed a final walk or a farewell speech, and she did not receive the traditional bouquet, something fans quickly noticed.
https://www.hola.com/us/celebrities/20251212872680/stephany-abasali-accuses-miss-venezuela-organization-mistreatment/
13 - MUO decided to immediately move its administrative headquarters from Mexico City back to New York City. The decision was made because conditions in Mexico - such as legal uncertainty, security concerns, and politically motivated attacks - are no longer suitable for running a major international organization.
https://www.missuniverse.com/press-releases/miss-universe-press-release-23/
13 - MUO announces the appointment of Ms. María José Unda as the new Vice President of International Relations. With a background in global coordination and talent development within the organization, María José brings valuable experience, vision, and a deep commitment to strengthening international partnerships.
https://www.missuniverse.com/press-releases/miss-universe-press-release-22/
13 - An article published on December 13 in French written by Jérôme Goulon for Entrevue reveals that a New York law firm has begun building a case against the Miss Universe Organization, but the firm is facing challenges because MUO’s leader, President Raul Rocha Cantú, is missing. The report came out a day after MUO’s Chief Executive Officer Mario Búcaro stepped down from his position; he replaced former CEO Anne Jakrajutip who has fled Thailand to evade an arrest warrant and is now hiding in Mexico.
The case attempts to prove that the public and the contestants were deceived by MUO and that votes were upheld despite predetermined results as claimed by Omar Harfouch, the judge who withdrew from the original judging panel three days before the finals and alleged that the competition had been flawed from the beginning. If found guilty, Cantú and associates could be sentenced up to 20 years in prison.Original source in French: https://entrevue.fr/people/exclu-entrevue-miss-univers-les-accuses-risquent-20-ans-de-prison/
https://nypost.com/2025/11/15/world-news/miss-israel-getting-death-threats-after-being-accused-of-giving-miss-palenstine-side-eye/
16 - Filipino millionaire and businessman Chavit Singson revealed his interest with the beleaguered Miss Universe Organization (MUO), teasing about possibly buying it.
https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/fashion-and-beauty/2025/12/16/2494730/chavit-singson-expresses-interest-buying-miss-universe
20 - An article published by the New York Post exposes the secret life of Nadeen Ayoub, Miss Universe Palestine 2025. Ayoub had not disclosed her real identity as a mother married to the son of a Palestinian terrorist.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/20/world-news/miss-palestines-ties-to-convicted-terrorist-leader-revealed-during-miss-universe-pageant/
22 - In an interview with the media, Filipino millionaire and businessman Chavit Singson expressed interest in acquiring the Miss Universe Organization. He stated that he has been speaking with former MUO president Paula Shugart (as well as other former officials) who will visit the Philippines in January 2026.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpmjexN4f88
23 - On his X account, Mexican journalist Sergio Sarmiento posted on December 23, 2025 at 8:39 AM that Miss Universe co-owner Raul Rocha Cantú has been spotted at The Ritz Hotel in Paris.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DSoRqk7jfWb/?img_index=1
25 - JKN Global Group’s rehabilitation petition was dismissed by Thailand’s Court of Appeals, overturning a lower court decision, leading to asset freezes for 180 days due to fraud and false financial disclosures, affecting multiple individuals. The court said there was no realistic legal or financial path for the company to recover.
https://evrimagaci.org/gpt/sec-freezes-jkn-assets-after-court-rejects-rehab-plan-521302?srsltid=AfmBOooyYlM7FWs5WtF21JIGwM9QGdVOssmtpzr1d5CkYn4mDHHbjea5
27 - MUO released a statement (dated December 1, 2025) written by MUO CEO Mario Búcaro clearing Dr. James Healy from judging Beyond the Crown segment of MU 2025 competition. Healy is the alleged boyfriend of Miss Paraguay Yanina Gomez who won the segment. Fans wonder why the statement was only released 26 days after it was written.
https://www.facebook.com/100063585736127/posts/insta-scoop-miss-universe-organization-clears-dr-james-healy-from-judging-beyond/1504586531670857/
29 - Puerto Rico is reconsidering its role as host of the 75th edition of Miss Universe and could pull out if transparency and funding issues aren’t resolved.
https://www.facebook.com/criticalbeautypage/photos/no-puerto-rico-has-not-officially-cancelled-hosting-the-75th-edition-of-miss-uni/1324705499670580/
29 - Anne Jakrajutatip, co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization and founder of JKN Global Group, was sentenced to 2 years in prison in Thailand after being found guilty of fraud in a corporate bond case. The Bangkok South Kwaeng Court ruled she and her company deceived an investor, Raveewat Maschamadol, into buying about $951,927 worth of bonds by hiding the company’s financial problems, causing financial loss. Jakrajutatip did not appear in court and remains at large, with reports suggesting she may have fled to Mexico.
https://people.com/miss-universe-co-owner-sentenced-to-2-years-in-prison-for-fraud-11876823
31 - After allegations that the pageant was rigged in favor of Mexico’s Fátima Bosch, another controversy involved Miss Paraguay Yanina Gomez, a lawyer and educator. Rumors claimed she was romantically linked to Dr. James Healy, who had been named to the selection committee for MUO’s Beyond the Crown social initiative.
The controversy grew when Gomez advanced to the Top 30 and later won the People’s Choice award. Gomez denied any wrongdoing, saying she addressed the rumors openly on Instagram and remained calm throughout the situation. She emphasized that her supporters knew the truth and stood by her despite attempts to undermine her career and social work.
Some observers suggested the controversy was a distraction from the competition’s actual results, which Gomez declined to comment on. On December 1, then-MUO CEO Mario Búcaro confirmed that Healy had been invited to the committee but did not participate in voting on any projects.
https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/pageants-beauty-queens/2025/12/31/miss-universe-paraguay-yanina-gomez-addresses-allegations-surrounding-her-inclusion-in-top-30-1258
THE SAGA continues in 2026...
JANUARY
2 - Filipino businessman Chavit Singson posted on his Facebook page that he and his daughter Rochelle Singson met with former MUO Vice President Shawn McClain in the Philippines to discuss the possible acquisition of the Miss Universe Organization. He also said that Anne Jakrajutatip and Raul Rocha Cantú no longer own MUO. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/175ezYu5ph/
2 - MUO published a statement confirming its ownership (without naming the owner/s), leadership, and long-term direction. It states that it emphasizes its commitment to transparency, integrity, and its global mission, and asks partners, the public, and the media to rely on official channels for accurate information. This is a reaction probably to Filipino businessman Chavit Singson's intention to acquire MUO, which MUO does not mention or deny. The statement was initially shared to national directors before it was posted hours later on MUO's Facebook and Instagram pages.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ASejJ3YqN/
3 - Miss Universe co-owner Raul Rocha accused Chavit Singson of being a “delusional fool” amid the ongoing tussle over the global tilt’s ownership, as the pageant organization stressed that it’s still owned by Rocha and Anne Jakrajutatip. In an Instagram Story on Saturday, Jan. 3, Rocha called out a “delusional fool and his daughter” for making such statements against the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), without naming Singson.
“I’m fed up with that delusional fool and his daughter making statements, dreaming of something he wouldn’t be able to achieve in a hundred years. Keep dreaming, my lawyers will put an end to your fairytales,” he said.
https://entertainment.inquirer.net/646174/raul-rocha-calls-chavit-singson-delusional-amid-miss-universe-ownership-drama
Originally published on January 6, 2026
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