Arrest Warrant Issued Against Miss Universe Co-Owner Amid New Controversy

Thailand-based entrepreneur and Miss Universe co-owner Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip faces an arrest warrant over fraud allegations issued by the South Bangkok Civil Court. A court official confirmed to AFP that the warrant was issued on Tuesday (25 November) over an alleged fraud amounting to around 930,000 USD (30 million baht).

Although this year’s Miss Universe competition concluded in Bangkok just a week prior, the event was mired in controversy. Despite inappropriate comments by the host, allegations of sexual misconduct, and other irregularities, the competition ended with Miss Mexico winning. Yet, before the award ceremony’s excitement subsided, a new controversy arose surrounding co-owner Jakapong.

In 2023, a plastic surgeon filed a lawsuit against Jakapong for concealing crucial information and making false promises regarding returns during an investment in JKKN Global Group. The court stated that the accused encouraged the investment even knowing he was unable to refund the money, which constitutes fraud. As Jakapong did not appear in court on the scheduled day, an arrest warrant was issued. The new date for the verdict has been set for 26 December.

Local media reports suggest that Jakapong has left Thailand for Mexico amid financial difficulties. However, the Miss Universe Organization has clarified that this legal process is not related to the management of their competition.

The recently concluded Miss Universe 2025 competition was also highly controversial. During the live event, a male host publicly shamed the winner, Miss Mexico Fatima Bosh, over not posting promotional content. Though apologies were later made at a press conference, the incident drew widespread criticism and attracted the attention of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

It is notable that Miss Universe was once owned by former US President Donald Trump. In 2022, Anne Jakapong’s JKKN Global Group purchased it for 20 million USD and later sold a half share to Mexico’s Legacy Holding Group US for 16 million USD.

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