Miss Universe Organization is once again in the global spotlight

Miss Universe Scandal 2025: Co-Owners Face Fraud and Criminal Charges in Separate Cases

The Miss Universe Organization is once again in the global spotlight — but this time, not for its glamorous stage or inspiring contestants. Instead, the world-renowned beauty pageant is facing one of its biggest crises yet, as two Miss Universe co-owners are now facing serious legal charges in separate countries.

These developments have sparked intense media coverage and raised concerns about the future credibility of the Miss Universe brand.

What Happened? A Quick Overview of the Miss Universe Scandal

On November 26, 2025, major international news outlets reported that the co-owners of the Miss Universe Organization were each facing major legal troubles, including fraud allegations and criminal charges linked to organized crime.

This comes at a time when the pageant was already dealing with controversies surrounding the Miss Universe 2025 results — creating a perfect storm of public scrutiny.

1. Thai Co-Owner Faces Arrest Warrant Over Bond Fraud Case

A major development came from Thailand, where a Bangkok criminal court issued an arrest warrant for Jakkaphong “Anne” Jakrajutatip, a well-known Thai media personality and former majority owner of Miss Universe.

Why was the warrant issued?

• Jakrajutatip is accused of fraud related to the sale of corporate bonds worth approximately $930,000 USD.
• An investor claims he was misled about JKN Global Group’s financial strength and repayment ability.
• She failed to appear in court for a scheduled hearing, prompting the judge to issue the warrant and set a new date for December 26.

This case has immediately fueled discussions about transparency and mismanagement within the organizations previously under JKN’s control.

2. Separate Case: Another Miss Universe Owner Faces Criminal Charges

In a different legal battle, reports from the U.S. and Mexico indicate that Raúl Rocha Cantú, another partial owner of the Miss Universe Organization, is facing serious charges tied to organized crime, drug trafficking, weapons violations, and illegal fuel smuggling.

Although the charges are unrelated to Miss Universe, the association with a global brand has intensified worldwide attention — especially after the controversies that surrounded the Miss Universe 2025 pageant.

How Will These Cases Affect the Miss Universe Brand?

These simultaneous controversies pose significant risks to one of the world’s most recognizable pageants. Experts believe the impact could be substantial:

🔹 Reputation and Public Trust

The Miss Universe Organization is built on global credibility. Legal scandals involving co-owners can weaken trust among fans, partners, and national directors.

🔹 Sponsorship & Media Deals

Brands may hesitate to commit to sponsorships or broadcasting rights until the legal situation becomes clear.

🔹 Licensing and Franchise Rights

Countries hosting national pageants under the Miss Universe umbrella may demand more transparency and oversight.

🔹 Potential Ownership Restructuring

If the controversies continue, the organization may consider restructuring ownership to protect its long-term reputation.

Why This Scandal Matters

Miss Universe isn’t just a beauty competition — it is a cultural event that reaches millions of viewers worldwide. When key figures behind the organization face legal challenges, the ripple effect can influence:

• global pageant culture
• international media partnerships
• participating countries and national franchises
• fans’ perception of fairness and integrity

The current situation marks a critical turning point for Miss Universe as it tries to maintain its legacy amid growing controversy.

What Happens Next?

As the cases continue to unfold in Thailand, Mexico, and the U.S., the Miss Universe Organization has yet to release a full statement addressing both situations.

Industry insiders predict that the coming months will determine whether the brand can recover, rebuild trust, and move forward — or whether deeper structural changes will be required.

One thing is certain:
Miss Universe 2025 will be remembered not only for its winners, but for one of the biggest scandals in the pageant’s history.