MANILA, Philippines — Six Southeast Asian countries face uncertainty over their participation in the 75th Miss Universe Competition following a dispute between groups claiming authority over the pageant’s franchises.
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) said contestants representing Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia and Singapore would not be eligible to compete in the November competition because of issues involving their national franchise arrangements.
In a statement, JKN Universe LLC, which identified itself as the legal holder of the rights to license the Miss Universe brand, said it did not recognize franchise and licensing agreements allegedly entered into by Miss Universe Eastern Pte. Ltd. and entities associated with Thai businessman Nawat Itsaragrisil.
JKN Universe said Miss Universe Eastern had no authority to grant, transfer or otherwise confer licensing or operational rights for the Miss Universe brand without a valid licensing agreement.
It also rejected recent statements made by Nawat concerning the company and its financial affairs, describing them as unverified and unsupported by facts. JKN Universe said it reserved the right to pursue legal action over what it called false or misleading statements and the unauthorized use of the Miss Universe brand.
Miss Universe Eastern, however, disputed the announcement, saying the six delegates remained eligible to compete.
The group said it held the rights to operate, promote and develop the Miss Universe brand in its designated territories and had the authority to appoint and manage franchise partners.
Nawat, who is associated with Miss Universe Eastern, also rejected the claim that the six contestants had been barred from the competition.
Thailand is the only one of the six affected countries to have already selected its representative, with Tharina Botes crowned Miss Universe Thailand in August. Malaysia and Vietnam are scheduled to select their representatives next month.
The dispute follows tensions surrounding Nawat during last year's Miss Universe competition in Bangkok. Several contestants walked out of a pre-pageant event after Nawat publicly reprimanded then-Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch over her participation in promotional activities.
Despite the ongoing franchise dispute, MUO said the 75th Miss Universe Competition would proceed as scheduled in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with no plans to postpone or cancel the event.
The Philippines will be represented by Bea Millan-Windorski.
The competition is set for Nov. 24 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot
