A dispute within the ownership of the Miss Universe Organization has become public, with competing statements revealing disagreements over corporate authority, governance, financial controls and the role of Thai pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil.
In a statement dated September 9, 2026, MU East said that JKN Universe LLC—the company doing business as the Miss Universe Organization—has an equal 50:50 ownership structure involving MU East and MU West through JKN Legacy Inc.
MU East argued that neither ownership group should present its individual position as the agreed position of the entire organization.
The statement directly challenged a public statement issued on September 8 concerning Itsaragrisil and Miss Universe Eastern. According to MU East, the earlier statement was neither reviewed nor approved by it. MU East said it disagreed with the claims made about the company, its business arrangements and Itsaragrisil’s position.
MU East reaffirms Nawat Itsaragrisil’s role
MU East reaffirmed Itsaragrisil as its duly appointed chief executive officer and described him as a recognized Miss Universe franchise holder. It said it continued to support him in both capacities.
The company added that the disagreement would be addressed through contractual and legal processes instead of public personal attacks.
The public exchange exposes a significant division between the two groups behind one of the world’s most prominent pageant brands. However, the statements represent the positions of the parties involved. Their disputed allegations should not be treated as independently established facts unless supported by documentary findings, a regulatory decision or a court ruling.
Governance and financial concerns raised
The September 9 response followed two statements issued by MU East on September 8.
In one, MU East said it had brought unspecified governance, compliance and financial matters involving JKN Universe LLC to the attention of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. It requested clarification and review while stressing that it did not want to prejudge the issues or interfere with the upcoming pageant.
In a separate statement, MU East addressed the handling of commercial revenue and payments under what it called the Hemisphere Agreement. It advised broadcasters, sponsors, agencies and commercial partners to compare payment instructions with their contracts and authorized corporate documents before transferring funds.
MU East’s position is that payment instructions involving JKN Universe LLC should follow joint financial-control and authorization procedures. These are assertions by MU East about the parties’ contractual framework; the published statements do not contain an independent determination that any violation occurred.
What the dispute means for Miss Universe 2026
Despite the escalating disagreement, MU East said it remains committed to the successful staging of the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico. It also pledged continued support for national directors, delegates, partners and other stakeholders.
As of September 10, no cancellation or change of host location has been announced. The anniversary competition is still expected to be held in Puerto Rico.
For national organizations and contestants, the immediate concern is whether the ownership conflict could affect decision-making, commercial agreements, payment authorization or preparations for the competition. So far, however, the official statements have not announced changes to the pageant’s schedule or venue.
The dispute is therefore best understood as an unresolved corporate-governance conflict rather than a confirmed disruption of the competition itself. Further official statements—or action by contractual, regulatory or legal authorities—will be needed to clarify which group has authority over the matters being contested.