The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has released an official statement reaffirming that it remains under its current ownership and leadership, amid renewed speculation about a possible sale following businessman and former politician Chavit Singson’s public expression of interest in acquiring the pageant.
In its statement, MUO addressed what it called “false and misleading statements” about its ownership, including claims suggesting acquisition or purchasing opportunities.
“The Miss Universe Organization remains under its current ownership and leadership,” MUO said, adding that it is reviewing the matter with legal advisers and will take “all appropriate and necessary steps” to address unauthorized or misleading claims.
The statement comes days after Singson said he plans to begin talks this month to acquire Miss Universe, citing tourism benefits for the Philippines.
Singson cited his experience as the main sponsor of the Philippines’ hosting of Miss Universe in 2017, which he described as highly successful. “It was declared that ang Miss Universe dito was the most successful ever,” he said, recalling that he spent at least $15 million to stage the event.
He added that the investment was worth it because “nakilala na naman ang Pilipinas dahil sa Miss Universe,” which he said generated “around 500 million dollars worth of media mileage.”
Amid controversies surrounding the pageant, Singson said he is open to a full takeover. “I’m interested to buy. 100 percent takeover, dapat, mahirap may kasosyo,” he said, noting that he is willing to proceed “if the price is right.” He also claimed that former Miss Universe officials, including ex-president Paula Shugart, are expected to visit this month.
The Miss Universe Organization has recently faced leadership changes, legal troubles involving former co-owners, and controversies during the 2025 pageant in Thailand, which was marred by rigging allegations and judge resignations.
Singson said these issues have damaged the pageant’s credibility. “Nasira sila sa Thailand, nasira sila sa Mexico, sirang-sira,” he said.
If an acquisition were to push through, Singson said the pageant would be managed by his daughter, Richelle Singson-Michael, who chaired the 2017 host committee.
He stressed that his motivation is country promotion rather than profit. “Kukunin namin para pagandahin ang Pilipinas, hindi para kumita. Willing naman ako malugi diyan kasi maganda para sa ating bansa,” he said, citing tourism as a key reason.
On Friday, Singson shared a post about a meeting with his daughter, Ilocos Sur Rep. Richelle Singson, and Shawn McClain, a former Miss Universe vice president, saying they discussed “possible acquisition talks” with the organization.
In the same post, Singson claimed that MUO is “not owned anymore by Anne Jakrajutatip or Raul Rocha Cantú,” adding that both allegedly have arrest warrants, and said he looks forward to discussions with what he described as the “rightful owners.”
Shortly after, Raúl Rocha Cantú appeared to respond via an Instagram Story, though without naming anyone directly, saying: “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. Keep dreaming, my lawyers will put an end to your fairy tales.”
Despite the controversy, MUO said it remains focused on continuity and its long-term vision, reiterating its commitment to women’s empowerment, social responsibility, and global community engagement. The organization also urged the public and media to rely solely on its official channels for accurate and verified information.
