Filipino tycoon eyes purchase of controversy-tainted Miss Universe
Filipino tycoon and veteran politician Luis “Chavit” Singson has set his sights on buying the Miss Universe Organisation, positioning himself as a potential saviour of a global pageant battered by controversy and reputational damage.
The organisation is co-owned by Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha and Thai media executive Anne Jakrajutatip, both of whom have faced scrutiny in the wake of the most recent competition.
Singson said he was confident the current owners would eventually sell, even though formal negotiations have yet to begin.
Arguing that beauty pageants remain deeply embedded in Filipino culture, alongside basketball and boxing, Singson said ownership would be “good for the country.” He said he was even prepared to lose money if the deal benefited the Philippines.
The former governor said talks are expected to start next month, when former Miss Universe executives Paula Shugart and Shawn McClain are due to visit the Philippines. While neither side has confirmed a sale, Singson suggested the visit would be crucial in shaping the pageant’s future direction.
He also revealed that his daughter, Richelle Singson-Michael, would manage the organisation should a deal push through. Richelle previously chaired the host committee for Miss Universe 2016 in Manila.
Singson said his interest was triggered by the controversies surrounding the latest Miss Universe competition, held in Thailand. He cited allegations of flawed judging and poor management, saying the brand had been damaged to the point where new leadership was needed to restore credibility.
This year’s pageant crowned Mexico’s Fatima Bosch as Miss Universe, with the Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo finishing as third runner-up. However, the event was overshadowed by disputes behind the scenes, including a public clash between Bosch and Thai pageant director Nawat Itsaragrisil over social media obligations.
Further controversy erupted when one judge resigned, claiming finalists had been pre-selected before the competition — an allegation firmly denied by organisers.
After the coronation, fresh accusations surfaced against the pageant’s owners, with the Mexican co-owner alleged to be involved in drug and arms trafficking and the Thai co-owner accused of fraud. Both have denied wrongdoing.
Against this backdrop, Singson’s possible bid has drawn attention as much for what it represents as for the deal itself: a wealthy Filipino figure stepping forward to reclaim influence over a pageant that is in dire need of a reboot.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
