Miss Universe co-owner faces arrest warrant

A fresh controversy has emerged surrounding Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, the co-owner of Miss Universe and Thai media entrepreneur, even before the Miss Universe 2025 competition has concluded. The South Bangkok Civil Court has issued an arrest warrant against her on charges of embezzling and defrauding about USD 930,000 (30 million baht). A court source confirmed the information on Wednesday.

A Thai plastic surgeon alleged that in 2023, while encouraging him to invest in JKN Global Group, Jakapong concealed key financial information and made false promises regarding repayment. The court stated that such actions amounted to fraud, and her absence from the hearing could be treated as an attempt to flee.

Although the verdict was scheduled for Tuesday, an arrest warrant was issued after Jakapong failed to appear in court. A new date has been set for December 26. Local media claimed that the financially troubled Jakapong may have fled to Mexico, though her side has not commented.

The organisation said in a statement that the ongoing legal proceedings have no relation to the management or daily operations of the competition.

This year’s Miss Universe competition, held in Bangkok, has faced controversy from the outset. Widespread criticism erupted over the behaviour of a male host during the live show. He publicly scolded the winner, Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch, for not posting promotional content. Bosch and several contestants left the stage in protest. The host later apologised in tears at a press conference. The incident also drew the attention of Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Miss Universe was once owned by Donald Trump, but in 2022 JKN Global Group bought it for USD 20 million. The company later sold half of its shares to Mexico’s Legacy Holding Group USA for USD 16 million.