Arrest Warrant Issued for Miss Universe Co-Owner Amid Ongoing Pageant Controversies

Miss Universe owner Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip.
Credit :

Josh Brasted/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• An arrest warrant has reportedly been issued for Jakapong “Anne” Jakrajutatip, the co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, in connection with a fraud case
• Jakrajutatip failed to appear in court on Tuesday, Nov. 25, for a verdict in the case, per The Independent
• The international pageant has been marred by mounting controversies over the last few weeks, including a heated exchange between a pageant executive and the eventual winner, Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch

An arrest warrant has reportedly been issued for Jakapong “Anne” Jakrajutatip, co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization. The Bangkok South Civil Court has taken this action in connection to a fraud case, as confirmed by reports from France 24 and The Independent.

This development follows accusations from a plastic surgeon who alleged that Jakrajutatip misled him while attempting to secure an investment in her company in 2023. A court statement indicated that Jakrajutatip invited the plaintiff to invest while knowingly unable to return the funds promptly.

Having previously been released on bail after being charged with fraud, Jakrajutatip’s court appearance scheduled for Tuesday did not occur, prompting the warrant issuance. The case involves allegations amounting to $930,000, and a verdict had been expected that day, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Chief Executive Officer of JKN Global Group Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip; Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch presents on stage.

Roy Rochlin/Getty; RUNGROJ YONGRIT/EPA/Shutterstock

Jakrajutatip’s absence in court has led the Bangkok South Civil Court to deem her a flight risk. Reports suggest she may have left for Mexico. Notably, Miss Universe 2025 took place at Impact Challenger Hall in Bangkok on November 20, where Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch was crowned the winner.

Jakrajutatip’s case verdict has been rescheduled for December 26. Earlier this year, the Miss Universe Organization emphasized that these legal issues are separate from the pageant’s operations.

The recent arrest warrant emerges amid heightened scrutiny faced by the Miss Universe pageant, which has seen a series of controversies. A notable incident occurred on November 4, when a livestream showcased a confrontation between pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil and winner Bosch, leading to sanctions against Itsaragrisil from Miss Universe president Raúl Rocha, who is also a co-owner of the organization.

Furthermore, musician Omar Harfouch resigned from his position on the selection committee, alleging that an “impromptu jury” was formed prior to the final competition. In a series of resignations preceding the event, soccer player Claude Makélélé and Princess Camilla di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, the president of the selection committee, also stepped down.

Raul Rocha.

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In the aftermath of the competition, Rocha voiced his intentions to sell his stake in the organization, expressing frustration with the ongoing controversies. He stated, “This is like a test, like a relay race. Who do I pass the baton to?” in an interview conducted in Spanish.

Jakrajutatip’s legal troubles and the recent upheaval within the Miss Universe Organization highlight the challenges facing this high-profile event. The public and media attention surrounding these developments continues to grow as the rescheduled court date approaches.