MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe president Raul Rocha on Saturday issued a sharply worded personal statement rejecting claims by former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson that the global pageant organization could be up for a buyout.
Rocha issued his statement over Instagram Story after Singson and his daughter, Rep. Richelle Singson, met with Shawn McClain, a former Miss Universe vice president, during a recent visit to the Philippines.
In his post, Singson asserted that Miss Universe is no longer owned by Rocha or AnneJakrajutatip, a Thai business executive linked to the organization’s leadership.
Rocha responded publicly, rejecting the claims and directly criticizing Singson and his daughter.
“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,” he wrote.
Singson, in a post shared Friday, uploaded a photo of himself and his daughter with McClain and said the former Miss Universe executive had provided updates on the organization.
“Had a good chat with my daughter Congresswoman Richelle Singson and Shawn McClain, former Miss Universe Vice President. He updated us with possible acquisition talks on Miss Universe Organization,” Singson wrote.
“For everyone’s information: MUO is not owned anymore by Anne Jakrajutatip or Raul Rocha Cantú. In fact, they both have arrest warrants against them! Thankyou Shawn for visiting us! We look forward to having discussions with the rightful owners, the creditors they defrauded,” he added.
Thai media reported that Jakrajutatip, founder of JKN Global Group and co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, was sentenced to two years in prison without suspension after a court on Dec. 26 found her guilty of fraud tied to a $951,927 corporate bond investment. Meanwhile, a federal prosecutor issued an arrest warrant for Rocha, and Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit froze his Mexican bank accounts, per Associated Press on Dec. 6.
The exchange followed an earlier statement from the Miss Universe Organization reaffirming that it remains under its current ownership and leadership and warning against what it called false and misleading claims suggesting acquisition or sale of the brand.
The Miss Universe Organization is preparing for a major milestone as it approaches the 75th anniversary of the international pageant, set to be held in November in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Source: Miss Universe president slams Singson’s claims of possible acquisition
