The Miss Universe pageant, already embroiled in controversy following its recent event, now faces a deeper crisis as legal authorities in two countries have issued arrest warrants for its co-owners.
In Mexico, businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú, who holds a 50% stake in the Miss Universe Organization, is the subject of a criminal investigation. Prosecutors allege involvement in trafficking operations involving narcotics, weapons, and fuel across the Guatemala-Mexico border. While Rocha has publicly denied the allegations and the existence of a warrant, official sources have confirmed an active investigation and arrest orders for multiple individuals, including a person matching his description.
Simultaneously, a Thai court has issued an arrest warrant for Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, the Thai media executive who owns the other half of the organization. She is accused of fraud by a business associate, who claims Jakkaphong provided misleading information to secure an investment. The warrant was issued after she failed to appear for a court hearing, with the judge citing concerns she may flee.
These legal developments follow a pageant final marked by unusual public disputes. The newly crowned titleholder, prior to her win, made headlines for walking out of an event after a confrontation with pageant leadership, an incident that drew commentary from high-level officials. Her victory was subsequently clouded by allegations from former judges who raised concerns about the integrity of the voting process, with one directly suggesting the outcome was manipulated.
In the wake of the arrest reports, public figures have sought to separate the legal issues of the organization’s owners from the achievement of the new titleholder, emphasizing that the investigations are independent matters. The unfolding situation leaves the future leadership of the iconic global pageant in question.