Miss Universe Pageant Sold to Thai Trans Businesswoman
A woman will own the Miss Universe Organization for the first time after a Thai media tycoon and transgender rights advocate purchased it for $20 million.
Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip is a well-known media personality in Thailand. She has appeared on local Project Runway and Shark Tank franchises.As CEO of JKN Global Group, a media content distribution conglomerate, she is well-versed in all things entertainment.
She’s also a trans woman and helped found the Life Inspired for Transsexual Foundation, a trans rights organization. “We are incredibly honored to be acquiring The Miss Universe Organization and working with its visionary leadership team,” Jakrajutatip said in a press release announcing the development. “The global reach of the organization, its relationships with global partners and brands, and its wealth of content, licensing, and merchandising opportunities make this a strong, strategic addition to our portfolio.
We seek not only to continue its legacy of providing a platform to passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and traditions but also to evolve the brand for the next generation," Jakrajutatip added.JKN acquired the Miss Universe Organization from mega-agency IMG, which bought it from former president Donald Trump in 2015.
