Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip will reportedly become the first woman to own the Miss Universe pageant in its 70-year reign.

The Miss Universe Organisation has been sold to Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip and her Thailand-based company, JKN Global Group announced.

FIRST WOMAN TO OWN THE MISS UNIVERSE PAGEANT
Insider reports that Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip will become the first woman to own the Miss Universe pageant. She is reportedly the third richest transgender person in the world with an estimated net worth of $210 million (R3.8 billion), according to Bangkok Post.

Jakrajutatip announced that her company bought the organisation from IMG for $20 million (R364 million). So, what changes? Well Amy Emmerich will retain her position as CEO and Paula Shugart as the president of the Miss Universe Organisation.

“We look forward to this next chapter in the Miss Universe story. In the short time I’ve been with the organization, I’ve seen firsthand the passion of our employees, franchisees, and partners, as well as our incredible community,” said Emmerich according to Insider.

“Paula and I see tremendous opportunity with JKN to create further growth for this organization on the global stage and women around the world,” she continued.

“Despite having recently celebrated the organisation’s legacy of more than 70 years, we are just getting started,” she added.

The reigning Miss Universe is Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu who represented India at the pageant.

Harnaaz Sandhu was crowned Miss Universe 2021. Image via Instagram @missuniverse.

JAKRAJUTATIP ON PROUD TO ACQUIRE PAGEANT
The millionaire said that she is proud to acquire the organisation and she seeks to continue the legacy of providing a platform of diversity.

“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,” she said.

The pageant began back in 1952 and includes Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants. The Miss Universe pageant was previously owned by Donald Trump from 1996 to 2015. NBC dropped the pageants because of his controversial remarks while campaigning for president.

Trump sold the organisation to IMG that same year.

AE News