Miss Universe sale is denied amid ongoing owner controversy
  • Celebrities
  • Entertainment
  • Royals
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Lifestyle
  • Food
  • Americas
  • Latina Powerhouse
  • Photos
  • HOLA+
Miss Universe sale is denied amid ongoing owner controversy
  • Celebrities
  • Entertainment
  • Royals
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Lifestyle
  • Food
  • Americas
  • Latina Powerhouse
  • Photos
  • HOLA+
Newsletter
Subscribe
DIGITAL MAGAZINE
  • USA
  • España
  • Americas
  • México
  • Home
  • Entertainment

It's complicated

Miss Universe sale is denied amid ongoing owner controversy


The 75th edition of Miss Universe is still up in the air, with Puerto Rico announced as the host for 2026


Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch (L) celebrates winning the 2025 Miss Universe pageant in Nonthaburi, north of Bangkok, on November 21, 2025. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP) (Photo by LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images)           © AFP via Getty Images
Maria LoretoSenior Writer
JANUARY 7, 2026 8:21 PM ESTJAN 7, 2026, 8:21 PM EST

The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) is once again at the center of controversy. Recently, various rumors have suggested that the Filipino businessman Luis Chavit Singson was in talks to acquire the Miss Universe brand. The organization quickly dismissed these claims in an official statement, reaffirming its “responsibility, leadership, and long-term vision.”

RELATED:
  • Miss Universe Fátima Bosch shares a heartfelt birthday message to her ‘hero’
  • Miss Universe co-owner, Anne Jakrajutatip, sentenced in explosive fraud case
  • Miss Universe, Ieda Maria Vargas, dies days before her birthday
© AFP via Getty Images
The 2025 edition of the competition was plagued with controversy

The MUO labeled the reports as “false and misleading,” saying they aim to distort ownership while falsely suggesting acquisition opportunities, and creating public confusion. 

"Such actions appear designed to deceive the public, improperly solicit investments, and exploit the Miss Universe brand for personal benefit, visibility, or advantage," reads the statement. The organization made it clear that the current ownership and leadership remain unchanged.

Due to the rumors, legal advisors are reviewing the situation to take any necessary measures to protect the brand from defamation.

© AFP via Getty Images
Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, ended up winning the pageant

"The organization remains committed to protecting its integrity, its partners, and the public from deception or misuse of its name, brand, and reputation," continues the statement.

"As the organization moves forward, it does so with the same vision, leadership, and long-term commitment that have guided its growth and success. This continuity remains fundamental to the organization’s mission, values, and strategic direction." 

The 75th edition of the pageant is still pending

In November, amid excitement for the Miss Universe 2025 finale, Puerto Rico was announced as the host of the 75th edition of the pageant. It's a special occasion for the competition, marking its diamond anniversary. However, the announcement coincided with multiple controversies. Questions arose over Fátima Bosch’s win as the 2025 Miss Universe, and further scrutiny fell on the pageant’s owners — Anne Jakrajutatip faces an arrest warrant, and Raúl Rocha Cantú is battling accusations of his own. 

These developments prompted Puerto Rico’s governor, Jennifer González, to pause support for the event. 

© AFP via Getty Images
The owner of Miss Universe faces an arrest warrant

“There is genuine concern, and we all feel it. No one expected a pageant of Miss Universe’s stature to be affected. First what happened in Thailand, and now with its organizer,” González said in an interview with the program "Primera Hora." She added that the $1.5 million payment from the Puerto Rico Tourism Company for the event has been put on hold.

This month, MUO executives are scheduled to meet with Puerto Rican authorities to reach an agreement for the future of the event on the island. Discussions aim to ensure the 75th Miss Universe pageant can proceed as planned despite the noise that surrounds it. As anticipation builds, the pageant’s fans remain eager for updates. 

© Getty Images
The president of the organization is facing accusations of his own

© ¡HOLA! Reproduction of this article and its photographs in whole or in part is prohibited, even when citing their source.

Other Topics
  • Miss Universe
It May Interest you
Melania Trump shares unexpected hobby with Donald Trump: Inside their little-known shared passion
Queen Fabiola of Belgium’s iconic engagement ring and other stunning jewels to go on auction in Madrid
Stranger Things: Millie Bobby Brown finally breaks silence on Eleven's fate
Blue Ivy Carter turns 14! Take a look at how Beyoncé’s daughter might be one of the most decorated teenagers
Sofía Vergara’s plunging black corset and Eiza González’s red minidress turn heads in L.A.
Denmark’s Vincent and Josephine turn 15: Celebrating apart for the first time, and a possible visit from King Felipe
Sasha Obama shows off her toned figure in stylish post-workout outfit
Queen Mary of Denmark’s manicures are the royal beauty detail everyone’s watching
READ MORE
Miss Universe racism backlash: Finland’s prime minister apologizes to Asian countriesBy Maria Loreto
Miss Universe Organization moves headquarters from Mexico amid investigations and legal controversiesBy Shirley Gomez
Miss Venezuela Clara Vegas Goetz carries on her mother’s beauty-queen legacyBy Maria Loreto
Miss Venezuela 2025: Clara Vegas Goetz takes the crown at the national pageantBy Maria Loreto
LATEST NEWS
Fashion jerseys set to be the hottest trend ahead of the World Cup: See how celebrities are wearing them
Inside Queen Rania and Princess Salma’s rare desert trip through Wadi Rum
4 recipes based on the new US dietary guidelines
Natalia Boneta
How to get Lily Collins’ Glass Hair: Her stylist revealed the secret to sleek, frizz-free straight hair
Your leg day might be secretly boosting your brain, according to experts
Will Leonardo DiCaprio walk the Golden Globes red carpet with Vittoria Ceretti?
Gigi Hadid's hair makeover is what is expected to be the must-have look of 2026
© 2000-2026, HOLA S.L.
  • ¡HOLA! Spain
  • ¡HOLA! Americas
  • HELLO! UK
  • HELLO! US
  • HELLO! Canada
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Settings
  • Do not sell or share my data
  • Legal Notice
  • Cookies Policy
  • Compliant channel
  • Contact