Pageant fans cry foul over ‘power struggle’ in Miss Universe org

Buzz grew online after the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) and Miss Universe Thailand issued conflicting statements about the “Special Dinner and Talk Show” activity involving ten delegates of the international pageant.

On Sunday, November 2, Miss Universe Thailand launched a campaign inviting fans to vote for their preferred candidates to join a dinner and talk show with Nawat Itsaragrisil, the Vice President of Miss Universe Asia and President of Miss Universe Thailand.

The ten candidates who receive the highest number of votes will earn the opportunity to take part in the special event with Nawat.

Ahtisa Manalo, the Philippines’ bet, also encouraged her fellow Filipinos to support her in the campaign.

“Mga kababayan, LIKE react po ang valid vote. Maraming salamat po!” she wrote on her Facebook page.

However, on Monday, November 3, the MUO released a statement clarifying that the activity was “unauthorized.”

“The Miss Universe Organization reminds the public that any event, activity, or online initiative not announced through our verified channels is unauthorized. Please refer only to our official platforms for accurate and authentic information,” it said in a social media post.

“The Organization wishes to make it absolutely clear that this activity is not authorized. Any independent or third-party activity using the Miss Universe name, logo, marks, or related branding without prior written authorization is considered a violation of intellectual property rights and brand integrity,” the MUO said in its statement.

“The Organization further declares that any promotional materials, contests, or voting initiatives currently circulating online under the Miss Universe name, including those associated with the aforementioned event, are unauthorized and misleading. Such initiatives do not represent the values, operations, or official activities of the Miss Universe Organization,” it added.

The MUO also said that it has the right “to take appropriate action against any individual, company, or entity found to be using its intellectual property, trademarks, or brand assets without permission, including but not limited to the Miss Universe name, logo, imagery, or official event designations.”

“As the global authority of the Miss Universe brand, MUO will continue to uphold the highest standards of transparency, professionalism, and integrity in every country where it operates. The Organization reaffirms its ongoing commitment to protecting its delegates, partners, sponsors, and the global public from misleading or unauthorized activities,” it continued.

The MUO urged the public to “rely solely” on their official channels through their website and verified Facebook and Instagram accounts “to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of all Miss Universe-related information.”

Miss Universe Thailand speaks

But just hours later, the Miss Universe Thailand page released a statement asserting that the online campaign is “part of the official marketing package authorized for the Host Country.”

Thailand is set to host the 74th edition of the prestigious beauty pageant.

“As the officially licensed Host Organization, we hold the rights to manage and execute such promotional activities within our territory,” the Miss Universe Thailand said.

“This activity is a collaboration with our valued sponsors, whose generous support has made it possible to deliver such a world-class event as everyone has witnessed. The voting process is a fair and transparent selection method designed to determine which delegates will participate in specific activities among a large number of contestants,” it added.

It also said that the MUO’s announcement “has unfortunately led to public misunderstanding,” stressing that it has the “rights and privileges” to hold such activities as the pageant’s official host for that edition.

“We will forward this matter to our legal team for review regarding any potential impact on our Thai sponsors and will immediately pursue appropriate legal action in response if necessary,” the Miss Universe Thailand said.

‘Power struggle’ 

The contradictory statements sparked reactions from Filipinos, with many expressing their thoughts in the comments.

“HAHAHAHAHAHA ayan na, magkasuhan kayo, mga p*n*eta kayo,” a Facebook user wrote.

“Puro Latina na lang pino-post ni MU ahh, hindi belong ang ASIA, kaya pala ayaw ng owner ng MU na makialam si Papa Nawat kasi Latinas lang ang belong sa MU, awit, alam ko na ‘yang galawan ng OWNER NG MU, makikita mo pa lang, hindi na nagkakasundo sa org. Tapos makikita mo sa post ng MU puro Latinas,” another Pinoy said.

“Power struggle inside the org,” a different Pinoy said.

“Eh mabagal naman kasi kayo eh. Buti pa nga MUT [Miss Universe Thailand] page, sobrang active, ayan, napagkamalan tuloy na dun talaga magpo-post for this year’s MU. Kita niyo, day [one] pa lang, may pa-portrait na sa mga candidate, sa inyo, puro Latina lang na-post niyo,” another user wrote.

Meanwhile, another pageant fan claimed to have noticed apparent changes “ever since” Miss Universe Thailand took over.

“It’s been less of a pageant and more of a reality show gone wrong. The chaos, the favoritism, the questionable calls — it’s giving ‘Miss Confusion’ instead of Miss Universe,” a Facebook user wrote.

The Facebook user also shared a video showing the delegates, claiming that Miss Universe Mexico 2025 Fatima Bosch walked out of an event where Nawat was present.

Reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig was also seen leaving the premises, based in a video posted by online pageant magazine Missosology.

“I seriously feel bad for Mexico and the reigning queen. They didn’t deserve to be caught in this mess. Miss Universe used to be prestige and grace — now it’s just drama and disgrace,” the Facebook user said.

The MUO is now under new management, with Guatemalan diplomat Mario Bucaro replacing Thai business mogul Anne Jakrajutatip as the organization’s new chief executive officer.

Anne, the first transwoman to hold the position, had served as CEO since 2022. She stepped down this June following a board “restructuring,” leaving her co-owner, Raul Rocha of Legacy Holdings Group, as president.

Meanwhile, Nawat retains a stake in Anne’s company and continues to run the Miss Grand International pageant through his company, MGI PCL.

READ: Pinoys react amid unconfirmed reports of Anne Jakrajutatip’s resignation from JKN Global Group