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The Cayman Islands Minister for Tourism and Transport, Hon. Kenneth Bryan officially announced the government's decision to drop the national license for Miss Universe Cayman Islands. According to the minister, the local committee was consulted before notifying the Miss Universe Organization. Future uncertainties due to the changes being implemented by MUO were hinted at as the reasons for their decision. While first runner-up and 70th Miss Universe representative Chloe Powery-Doxey is expected to be officially crowned as Miss Universe Cayman Islands this March, it is still unknown who will take over the franchise or when the country will be back to the Miss Universe pageant. "I am hopeful that a private sector entity will step up and take over the franchise, because, in addition to offering tremendous empowerment opportunities for young women, it also allows them to act as positive role models for other young women, and represent the Cayman Islands as a cultural ambassador,&q

Two weeks after the announcement that shocked the pageant community, the new Miss Universe Indonesia organization under the leadership of Indonesian singer and entrepreneur Poppy Capella has been officially launched. A star-studded press conference followed by a glittering red carpet gala dinner took place on Tuesday, February 21 at the Mulia resort, on the beautiful Nusa Dua in Bali. Among the special guests were reigning Miss Universe from the USA R'Bonney Gabriel, second runner-up Andreína Martínez Founier of the Dominican Republic, and Top 5 finalist Gabriëla Dos Santos of Curacao. The owner of the Miss Universe Organization Anne Jakrajutatip and her team were also present and made another surprising revelation about her company's preference for standalone national pageants being held exclusively for her prestigious brand. "We (MUO) prefer to have just one stage for one beauty pageant brand. No other brands must involve. I respect your work in the past 20-30 years, I a

Yayasan Puteri Indonesia was surprised, Miss Universe's license was taken by another organization The Yayasan Puteri Indonesia (YPI) the organization behind the annual Puteri Indonesia pageant revealed in an official press release they were shocked by the news that the Miss Universe Indonesia license has been taken over by PT Capella Swastika Karya. According to the Head of Communication for the Puteri Indonesia Foundation, Mega Angkasa, he was surprised by the statement from another organization claiming they have the license at a press conference on Wednesday, February 8 in Jakarta. "The Puteri Indonesia Foundation was surprised because at that time we were still waiting for confirmation from MUO's Director for Global Franchise, Carlos Capetillo, regarding the continuation of the license like the previous year," he said. He continued: "On January 25, 2023, YPI received information from the Miss Universe organization that there would be bidding to extend the 202

The Miss Universe Organization started releasing the closed-door interviews of the 71st Miss Universe contestants on its official social media and streaming platforms. This historic move letting the public get access to the crucial part of the judging criteria for the first time will hopefully help shed light on why some heavy fan favorites failed to enter the semifinals. Fifty percent of the contestants' scores were from the closed-door interview with the selection committee while the other half were from the preliminary evening gown and swimsuit competitions. Fans alleged on social media that the recently concluded Miss Universe 2022 pageant was rigged which the MUO already debunked and called the false allegations "absurd" in a statement. It wasn't the first time for the winner R'Bonney Gabriel to face such allegations. The first Filipino-American Miss Universe also experienced the same challenge after she won Miss USA 2022 in Reno, Nevada last October. With th

Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has officially announced its partnership with California-based sash maker The Sash Company for their first-ever sustainable sashes. The new sashes for the forthcoming Miss Universe edition are made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials (organic and sustainable luxury fibers and threads) and with ethically produced rhinestones. "We hope our commitment to sustainability will reduce the overall amount of plastic and waste in the environment. This is one small step of many we hope to make in the future as small actions by corporations and organizations will have the greatest impact on making a greener future for all," MUO shared on its official Instagram page. The official announcement received a lot of positive feedback from the pageant fans and several contestants. Miss Universe Seychelles Gabriella Gonthier commented, "Great initiative, first steps to being a positive global ambassador." Miss Universe Venezuela Amanda Dudamel al

The new Miss Universe crown "Force for Good" by Mouawad was officially unveiled on Monday, December 19 at True Icon Hall (Icon Siam) in Bangkok, Thailand. Crafted by hand with 993 stones, 110.81 carats of blue sapphire, and 48.24 carats of white diamond, the Mouawad masterpiece truly represents what Miss Universe Organization stands for. The intricate design evokes the organization's "belief in a future forged by women who push the limits of what’s possible and the incredible women from around the world who advocate for positive change." According to Miss Universe owner Anne Jakrajutatip, the new crown "stands for a graceful reincarnation of the Miss Universe Organization’s long-standing values and heritage as a guiding light, shining bright to the future glory." "The new crown is also the dazzling illustration of both the challenges and rewards that come when young women advocate for causes close to their heart and strive to make an impact on the

A brand new Miss Universe crown "Force for Good" is scheduled to be unveiled on Monday, December 19 at True Icon Hall (Icon Siam) in Bangkok, Thailand. The $6 million masterpiece by Mouawad will be the 12th crown of the Miss Universe pageant and the second crown from the world-renowned jeweler. Don't miss watching the special unveiling event presented by JKN Global Group from 2 p.m. (Bangkok time). Live streaming will be available on the official Youtube channel  of the Miss Universe Organization. The new crown will be used officially for the first time during the coronation of the 71st Miss Universe in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA this January. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anne Jakrajutatip | แอน จักรพงษ์ (@annejkn.official) Photos: Mouawad / Miss Universe, Anne Jakrajutatip / Instagram RELATED POSTS: 71st Miss Universe: Personalized capes instead of national gifts for auction 71st Miss Universe: Contestants' profiles are out, fan

JKN Global Group PCL, the new owner of the Miss Universe Organization successfully held the first-ever Miss Universe Extravaganza at Paragon Cineplex in Bangkok, Thailand. The highly talked-about historic event which was held on Monday, November 7, and streamed across JKN platforms, was a spectacle parade of Miss Universe beauties all glammed up for the special occasion. Attended of course by the new owner herself from Thailand, Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, with MUO President Paula Shugart and CEO Amy Emmerich, the empowered reigning Miss Universe and menstrual equity advocate Harnaaz Sandhu, former titleholders, and Miss Universe Thailand's present and former queens. The past winners who were present include Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Glebova, who after her reign made the decision to settle in Thailand where she won her title. She talked about her love for the country and attest to the many wonderful things its beauty and its warm people can offer the world. Miss Universe 2011 Le

The first-ever Miss Universe Extravaganza presented by the new owner of the Miss Universe Organization, the JKN Global Group PCL, will be held this Monday, November 7 at the Siam Pavalai Royal Grand Theatre, Paragon Cineplex, in Bangkok, Thailand. Headed by the self-made billionaire, media mogul and TV host Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, the highly anticipated event to be broadcasted across JKN streaming channels will be attended by MUO President Paula Shugart and CEO Amy Emmerich. One of the highlights will be the gathering of five Miss Universe beauties consisting of Natalie Glebova (2005), Leila Lopes (2011), Catriona Gray (2018), Andrea Meza (2020), and reigning Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu, for the first time in the Land of Smiles. The JKN Universe Extravaganza is also expected to give away gifts worth 7 million baht in total to the fans who will be attending the fabulous One Universe celebration. Following the historic event, a private gala dinner will be held in the evening from

Thai content company and world-class commerce JKN Global Group under the leadership of Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip officially announced the acquisition of the Miss Universe Organization from IMG.  A press conference was held on Thursday, October 27 at the JKN Empire Building in Thailand to reveal several details of the new MUO ownership and answer questions from the local and international media. "JKN is extremely honored to acquire the copyright and business of Miss Universe. Working with a management team with a great vision to reach people around the world as well as foster strong relationships between business partners and world-class brands. To continue the value of the MISS UNIVERSE brand," said JKN CEO who just became the first woman and non-US citizen to own the entire MUO. MUO CEO Amy Emmerich, who virtually attended the conference with MUO President Paula Shugart, said: “I am excited to be working with JKN to create the growth of the Miss Universe Organization to t

Chief Executive Officer of JKN Global Group Public Company Limited, Anne Jakrajutatip, has now been confirmed as the new owner of the Miss Universe Organization. The Thai transgender businesswoman, also known as Anne JKN, made the announcement of full ownership of MUO on social media with the caption "Yes, I own it all, I am the sole owner, and finally, the universe is ours." This update also just confirmed the recent rumor that a billionaire from Thailand was interested in buying Miss Universe after the news broke out it was allegedly being sold by the previous owner IMG for $20 million. A virtual press conference will be held with MUO President Paula Shugart and CEO Amy Emerich to discuss this historic acquisition. It will be broadcasted live on JKN18 TV channel, and on Facebook and YouTube this Thursday, October 27 from 10 a.m. (Bangkok time). Anne made history by becoming the first-ever woman and non-US citizen to own the entire organization. She now has the power to over

During the 48th Miss Universe pageant held in Trinidad and Tobago, the final question was "If Miss Universe were to become pregnant during her reign, should she be allowed to continue as Miss Universe?” Botswana's Mpule Kwelagobe answered: "Personally, I think Miss Universe is a symbol of a woman as well as she's celebrating her femininity, and I believe that if she should fall pregnant it will not in any way interrupt her duties. I believe as a woman she should celebrate her femininity." The then 19-year-old triumphed over Miriam Quiambao of the Philippines (first runner-up) and Diana Nogueira of Spain (second runner-up) to win the title of Miss Universe 1999, a historic first time for her country. Fast forward to today, over 20 years later, the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has announced its decision to allow "women who are or have been married, as well as women who are pregnant or have children" to compete starting next year (Miss Universe 2023).