Miss Universe Co-Owner Faces Legal Troubles Amid Controversies: A Recap of Recent Events
A Thai court has issued an arrest warrant for the co-owner of the Miss Universe beauty pageant, Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, over alleged fraud amounting to US$930,000. The warrant was issued after a plastic surgeon accused her of fraud and concealing information to persuade him to invest in JKN Global Group, which co-owns the contest. The court rescheduled the verdict to December 26, as Jakapong failed to appear in court, leading to speculation that she may have left for Mexico amid financial troubles.
The Miss Universe 2025 contest concluded in Bangkok with Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, being crowned the winner. The event was marred by controversies, including a public altercation between a male host and Bosch, who was accused of not posting promotional content. The host's behavior led to Bosch leading a walkout, drawing attention from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who supported Bosch for speaking out.
Jakapong's JKN Global Group acquired the Miss Universe contest for US$20 million in 2022 but later sold half of its stake to a Mexican firm for US$16 million. In 2024, the Stock Exchange of Thailand delisted JKN shares due to the company's failure to submit financial statements and falsification of them.
In conclusion, the Miss Universe beauty pageant co-owner, Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, is facing legal troubles over alleged fraud, adding to the controversies surrounding the recent Miss Universe contest. The situation has raised concerns about financial stability and the future of the Miss Universe Organization.