Transgender businesswoman buys Miss Universe pageant for $20 million

A Thai businesswoman and transgender advocate has bought the Miss Universe Organization for $20 million, making her the first woman to own a Miss World pageant in its 71-year history, her company announced Wednesday.

Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, CEO of Thailand-based media company JKN Global Group, is a reality TV star in her home country, having appeared in local editions of “Project Runway” and “Shark Tank”. She also helped found the Life Inspired for Transsexual Foundation, a non-profit transgender rights group.

Jakragutatyp said her company’s acquisition of the Miss Universe brand is a “strong strategic addition to our portfolio”.

“We strive not only to continue its legacy of providing a platform for passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures and traditions, but also to develop the brand for the next generation,” she said in a press release.

The Miss Universe organization, which was owned by former President Donald Trump between 1996 and 2015, was acquired by Endeavor IMG in 2015. The organization will continue to be led by current CEO, Amy Emmerich, and President Paula Shugart.

Miss Universe, Harnaaz Sandhu of India, waves after her coronation on December 12, 2021, in Eilat, Israel.Amir Levy/Getty Images file

Following the agreement with the global JKN Group, Endeavor President Mark Shapiro said at a statement He is “proud of the organization’s progress in becoming a more inclusive and powerful platform where women can advance their business goals and issue-based work.”

Emmerich agreed, saying that JKN Global would help further grow the organization.

“Although we recently celebrated the organization’s 70-plus-year legacy, we’re just getting started,” she said.

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The Miss Universe contest, which began in 1952, is broadcast in 165 countries. Contest marked The first transgender contestant In 2018, when Miss Spain, Angela Pons, competed for the crown.

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Reuters And the diverse Contributed.

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