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Miss Universe Organization addresses Nawat Itsaragrisil, Anne Jakrajutatip's roles amid Puerto Rico claims
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has rejected any authority that Nawat Itsaragrisil may claim within the organization, while also distancing itself from former CEO Jakkaphong "Anne" Jakrajutatip.
In a statement dated September 8 posted on Instagram, MUO said Itsaragrisil has "no employment, corporate, executive, operational, or legal position" within the organization and has no authority to represent or speak on its behalf.
MUO also said Miss Universe Eastern Pte. Ltd. has no recognized legal, contractual, or commercial relationship that gives it authority over the organization. As such, any appointments or mandates issued by the entity are not recognized by MUO.
"Any other relationship Mr. Itsaragrisil may claim in connection with the Organization is through Ms. Jakkaphong 'Anne' Jakrajutatip, who exercises no active operational role or current authority within the governance or operations of the Miss Universe Organization and, according to the Organization's understanding, has been convicted of fraud in Thailand and currently remains a fugitive at large," the statement said.
MUO said Itsaragrisil's only currently recognized relationship with the organization is as a franchise holder, a status that is separate from its governance and management. However, his franchise-holder status is currently under review.
The statement comes after Itsaragrisil made public statements, including allegations involving financial matters related to Puerto Rico, the host country of the upcoming pageant. MUO said these declarations are unauthorized and do not represent its official position or records.
"He has no authorized access to the Organization's internal records, directives, officers, or decision-making processes upon which to make such representations," it said. "National Directors, delegates, partners, sponsors, media representatives, and the public are therefore urged to disregard unverified statements made by individuals who hold no recognized authority or mandate to speak on behalf of the Organization."
The organization challenged Itsaragrisil to provide legal documents proving that he has authority to represent MUO or speak about its financial affairs.
"The Organization is confident that no legitimate documentation exists establishing such authority and invites any purported evidence to be subjected to appropriate and objective scrutiny."
Meanwhile, MUO confirmed that the 75th Miss Universe will proceed in San Juan, Puerto Rico, saying there are no plans to postpone or cancel the event.
The organization also said it reserves the right to pursue legal action over statements it considers false, defamatory, misleading, unauthorized, or damaging to the Miss Universe brand.
Meanwhile, on Facebook, the Miss Universe page released a separate statement from Miss Universe East regarding its relationship with the organization and Itsaragrisil's position.
"JKN Universe LLC, which does business as the Miss Universe Organization, has an equal 50:50 ownership structure between MU East and MU West through JKN Legacy Inc. Neither side should present its own views as the agreed position of the whole Organization," the statement said.
MU East said the September 8 statement was not reviewed or approved by its side and that it did not agree with the claims made about MU East, its business arrangements, or Itsaragrisil's role.
"Mr. Nawat Itsaragrisil is the duly appointed CEO of MU East and a recognized Miss Universe franchise holder. MU East fully recognizes and supports him in both roles," it said.
MU East also said it would not respond with personal attacks and that the matters would instead be handled through "the proper contractual and legal processes."
"MU East remains committed to the successful staging of the 75th Miss Universe Pageant in Puerto Rico. We will continue to support all National Directors, delegates, partners and stakeholders," it said.
The Miss Universe 2026 competition is scheduled on November 24 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Reigning Miss Universe queen Fatima Bosch of Mexico will pass the crown to her successor during.
The Philippines will be represented by Bea Millan-Windorski.
—Carby Rose Basina/MGP, GMA News
