Miss Universe reasserts ownership amid Chavit Singson interest

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MANILA, Philippines — An ownership war is brewing over the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) between current co-owner Raul Rocha and interested buyer Chavit Singson.

It can be recalled that the businessman and former politician Singson expressed interest in purchasing the MUO following controversial issues surrounding the organization and its owners in the aftermath of the 2025 coronation.

"Sa nababasa ko lang, nagkaroon ng problema sa Thailand, sa Mexico so kung ipagpapatuloy nila, lalo silang malulugi," Singson previously said. "So palagay ko they are willing to sell although wala pang negotiation."

MUO is currently owned by the Mexican Rocha's Legacy Holding Group USA Inc. and Thailand-basedJKN Global Group owned by Anne Jakrajutatip.

"Wala naman dahil nga willing naman akong malugi diyan e. Kasi maganda sa ating bansa. Habang may pera ako, gusto kong bilhin," the ex-politician said.

Singson also said that should the purchase go through, his daughter and Rep. Richelle Singson-Michael (Ako Ilocano Ako party-list) would oversee the MUO having chaired the Miss Universe Host Committee that organized Miss Universe 2016 held in the Philippines.

Purchase talks. The father and daughter recently met with former MUO Vice President Shawn McClain about the possibly of acquiring the MUO.

The elder Singson claimed that Rocha and Jakrajutatip no longer own the MUO and even pointed there are arrest warrants out for them.

The Mexican government reportedly froze Rocha's bank accounts as part of a criminal investigation involving drugs, fuel and arms trafficking while Jakrajutatip was sentenced to two years in prison without suspension over fraud charges by a Bangkok court.

"Thank you Shawn for visiting us! We look forward to having discussions with the rightful owners, the creditors they defrauded," Singson said in a social media post.

MUO statement. The MUO recently issued a statement reaffirming its ownership, leadership, and long-term vision ahead of the 75th edition to be held in Puerto Rico later this year.

In the build-up to the milestone, the MUO will carry on highligting its initiatives, plans, and activities done in collaboration with global partners and stakeholders.

The organization claimed statements regarding a change in ownership and leadership were false and misleading, done so in order to "misrepresent ownership, falsely suggest acquisition or purchasing opportunities, and create confusion."

"Such actions appear designed to deceive the public, improperly solicit investments, and exploit the Miss Universe brand for personal benefit, visibility, or advantage," said the MUO. "In response, the MUO states clearly and unequivocally: Miss Universe remains under its current ownership and leadership."

The MUO is currently reviewing such matters with legal advisors, adding it will take all steps necessary to prevent any further false, misleading, or unauthorized movements.

The organization reiterated its commitment to protect its integrity and the misuse of the Miss Universe name, brand, and reputation, and will do so "with the same vision, leadership, and long-term commitment that have guided its growth and success."

Accurate and verified information will only be released through official channels, with updates including leadership and structure matters exclusively published on the Miss Universe website.

Rocha retorts. Rocha is reportedly in hiding after the Attorney General's Office of Mexico reissued the warrant for his arrest after authorities found Rocha does not live in the address he provided.

As a result, the agency lifted Rocha's protected witness status and declared him "wanted" for the alleged organized crime activity.

The Mexican businessman remains active on social media, even sharing Miss Universe's statement on his Instagram stories with text seemingly directed at the Singsons.

"I'm fed up with that delusional fool and his daughter making statements, dreaming of something he wouldn't be able to achieve in a hundred years," Rocha wrote in red text. "Keep dreaming, my lawyers will put an end to your fairytales."

RELATED: Chavit Singson on buying Miss Universe: 'Willing naman akong malugi'