The Miss Universe Organization has publicly disavowed Thai businessman Nawat Itsaragrisil, stating he holds no official position or authority within the pageant.
In a statement published on its official social media channels, the organization confirmed that Itsaragrisil has no executive, operational, or legal standing to represent Miss Universe, declaring his recent public statements unauthorized and non-binding.
The announcement follows ongoing disputes regarding the management and governance of the competition, as well as questions surrounding individual claims of executive representation.
Miss Universe is an annual international beauty competition established in 1952. Operating on a global scale, the pageant brings together country delegates chosen through licensed national directorships and franchise agreements across dozens of territories worldwide.
Disavowal of corporate authority
In its official communication, Miss Universe stated that Itsaragrisil holds no position of employment, corporate role, executive office, or legal standing within the institution.
The organization clarified that public statements made by Itsaragrisil do not represent the official facts, operational records, or corporate position of Miss Universe. It added that any statements issued by him carry no binding effect on the company.
Addressing the underlying business connections, the organization noted that Miss Universe Eastern Pte. Ltd. has no recognized legal, contractual, or commercial relationship that confers authority over the Miss Universe Organization.
Pageant officials pointed to Thai businesswoman Jakkaphong "Anne" Jakrajutatip, from whom Itsaragrisil reportedly derived his claimed connection to the pageant structure. The organization confirmed that it does not recognize any executive or corporate title claimed by Itsaragrisil.
The institution formally requested national directors, contestants, sponsors, and media organizations to disregard unverified public statements made by individuals who lack authorized credentials to speak on its behalf.
Franchise status and past controversies
Nawat Itsaragrisil is a Thai television executive and entrepreneur known internationally as the founder and president of Miss Grand International, a major global beauty pageant based in Thailand.
Miss Grand International was established in 2013 and has grown into one of the prominent international beauty competitions in the industry. Itsaragrisil's influence within beauty pageants has expanded in recent years, leading to licensing agreements linked to Miss Universe franchised territories.
Despite his background, Miss Universe stated that his only recognized connection to the institution is as a franchise holder in Thailand. The organization confirmed that his franchise status is currently under formal review.
The review stems from an agreement signed with an entity that Miss Universe does not recognize, alongside conduct that the organization characterized as damaging to its brand reputation and commercial value.
The franchise review follows a high-profile conflict last year involving the reigning Miss Universe winner, Fátima Bosch of Mexico. Itsaragrisil publicly insulted Bosch, calling her foolish and stupid after she failed to promote a sponsored product.
That incident prompted an immediate response from the Miss Universe Organization, which condemned the derogatory remarks and restricted Itsaragrisil's corporate functions within the entity.
Host venue and legal warnings
Amid the dispute over corporate authority, the Miss Universe Organization confirmed that the 75th edition of the pageant will proceed as scheduled in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in November 2026.
San Juan is the capital and largest municipality of Puerto Rico, an island territory in the Caribbean with a long history of participating in and hosting major international events.
Pageant management stated that operational preparations remain ongoing alongside international franchise partners, corporate sponsors, vendors, and local host authorities. The organization affirmed that there is no plan or intention to delay, postpone, or cancel the 2026 event.
Finally, Miss Universe warned that it reserves all legal rights and remedies under applicable legislation regarding statements it considers false, defamatory, misleading, or unauthorized, or that threaten to harm the reputation of the institution.
