A court in Thailand has reportedly issued an arrest warrant for a co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization just one week after the 2025 pageant concluded amid ongoing controversies.
The warrant targets Thai business figure Jakob “Anne” Jakrajutatip, CEO of JKN Global Group Public Company Limited, which purchased the Miss Universe Organization from Endeavor’s IMG in 2022 for $20 million. Reports from Thai media indicate the warrant relates to alleged securities fraud, following an ongoing investigation into financial mismanagement within JKN Global.
Authorities claim JKN misrepresented the company’s financial health and misled investors after it defaulted on bond payments earlier this year. The company, currently undergoing debt rehabilitation, has denied wrongdoing. Jakrajutatip has reportedly pledged full cooperation with Thai officials.
The 2025 Miss Universe competition already faced multiple challenges, including accusations of rule manipulation, contestant eligibility issues, and backlash over recent organizational decisions. These problems have fueled public scrutiny of both the pageant’s leadership and its ownership.
Jakrajutatip commented on social media, insisting the situation was “under legal management” and urging the public not to spread misinformation. The Miss Universe Organization has yet to issue an official statement regarding the reported warrant.
“The Miss Universe brand remains independent and continues to operate normally,” a company spokesperson previously said during earlier financial turbulence.
JKN Global’s financial struggles have significantly impacted its stock performance and raised questions about the sustainability of its pageant investments. The case has drawn international attention, underscoring the pressures facing the global beauty pageant industry as it adapts to changing standards and public perception.
Author Summary: Thai authorities issued a fraud-related arrest warrant for Miss Universe co-owner Anne Jakrajutatip, deepening financial and reputational troubles for the pageant organization.