Singson eyes Miss Universe takeover

Veteran businessman and former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson has confirmed that serious discussions are underway regarding a potential acquisition of the Miss Universe pageant, a move that could significantly reshape the future of one of the world’s most recognizable beauty competitions.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Singson said conversations have already taken place between his camp and key former figures of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), including longtime president Paula Shugart. He added that representatives of the organization are expected to travel to the Philippines next month for a formal meeting, indicating that talks have progressed beyond speculation.

Singson said his interest in acquiring the pageant was prompted by controversies that surrounded the most recent edition, particularly issues involving credibility and judging.

“Nasira sila sa Mexico binintangan sila na parang di ano ang judging so sabi ko bilhin ko na lang,” he said.

He added that he has personally reached out to former MUO leaders to explore the possibility of a takeover.

“Kinausap ko sila Paula (Shugart) at ang executives nila pupunta sila dito next month para makipag meeting,” Singson said.

If the acquisition pushes through, Singson said he wants a familiar and trusted figure back at the helm of the organization. He expressed his intention to reinstate Shugart, citing her long experience and deep understanding of the pageant.

“Pinatakbo niya ’yan for so many years, siya nagha-handle niyan,” he said.

According to Singson, discussions may also involve other former MUO executives, including Shawn McClain, with January being eyed for in-person meetings in the Philippines.

The Miss Universe 2025 pageant, held in Bangkok, Thailand, crowned Mexico’s Fatima Bosch as winner, while the Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo finished as third runner-up. The event, however, was marred by controversies leading up to coronation night.

Among these was a widely publicized confrontation involving Bosch and Thai pageant director Nawat Itsaragrisil, who was filmed reprimanding the Mexican delegate over alleged lapses in social media promotion, an incident that ended with Bosch walking out of the meeting.

Tensions escalated further when one judge resigned after claiming that the finalists had already been determined before the competition concluded, an allegation denied by pageant organizers. Following the coronation, additional accusations surfaced against the pageant’s co-owners, including claims of fraud and involvement in illegal activities, intensifying scrutiny over the organization’s leadership and governance.